Habitat International Film Festival returns for its 6th edition

Cinephiles are in for a treat as the much-anticipated Habitat International Film Festival (HIFF) 2025 returns for its sixth edition at the India Habitat Centre (IHC) from March 21 to 30, 2025. This year’s festival promises an extraordinary cinematic experience, showcasing critically acclaimed films from nearly 15 countries, along with a special focus on Italy, the Focus Country for 2025.

The festival will feature a carefully curated selection of nearly 70 films, including multiple Oscar, BAFTA, Locarno, Cannes, and Berlinale award winners and nominees. In addition to contemporary world cinema, HIFF 2025 will celebrate legendary filmmakers by screening restored classics from Vittorio De Sica, Satyajit Ray, Federico Fellini, and more.

Highlighting the significance of this year’s edition, Vidyun Singh, Creative Head of Programmes, India Habitat Centre, shared, "For film lovers, HIFF 2025 is set to be a standout experience. Not only will audiences witness an outstanding lineup of award-winning and pathbreaking world cinema, but they will also have the rare opportunity to watch restored masterpieces from some of the most iconic filmmakers in history. Our gratitude to Italy, this year’s Focus Country, for bringing an exceptional selection of restored classics to the festival."

The screenings will take place at The Stein Auditorium at IHC, which boasts a 4K projection system and Dolby Atmos Surround Sound, ensuring an unparalleled viewing experience. Beyond film screenings, the festival’s diverse programming will include documentaries, discussions, workshops, and masterclasses, covering themes such as women’s stories, LGBTQ+ narratives, and environmental issues.

Festival Highlights:

• A curated selection of contemporary Italian films from the Venice and Cannes Film Festivals, supported by ITALIAN SCREENS.
• Restored classics showcasing the legacy of Vittorio De Sica, Federico Fellini, and Satyajit Ray, restored in collaboration with Cineteca di Bologna and Immagine Ritrovata.
• Exclusive Indo-Italian Screening: Parikrama, directed by Goutam Ghose, starring Marco Leonardi, the teenage star of Cinema Paradiso.

• I'm Nevenka/ Soy Nevenka by Icíar Bollaín – A gripping documentary about Spain’s MeToo movement.
• Toxic by Saul? Bliuvait? – Winner of the Golden Leopard at Locarno.
• Bird by *Andrea Arnold and The Outrun by Nora Fingscheidt – Exploring the complexities of womanhood.

• Emilia Perez (dir. Jacques Audiard) – 13 Oscar nominations, Best Actress win at Cannes, 4 Golden Globes, 11 BAFTA nominations.
• The Story of Souleymane – Cannes Un Certain Regard selection, Jury Prize winner.
• The Room Next Door by Pedro Almodóvar – Golden Lion at Venice.
• Pepe by Nelson Carlo De Los Santos Arias – Silver Bear for Direction at Berlinale.
• Grand Tour – Best Director Award at Cannes.
• Official Oscar Entries from Germany, Spain, Portugal, and more.

• LGBTQ+ Narratives: Emilia Perez (dir. Jacques Audiard), The Crossing (dir. Levan Akin), and Queer (dir. Luca Guadagnino).
• Environmental Stories: Pepe – A unique story told from the perspective of a ghostly hippopotamus.

With its stunning curation and engaging discussions, HIFF 2025 promises to be a truly immersive experience for cinephiles.

Film enthusiasts can reserve their seats and experience the cinematic magic by visiting www.habitatworld.com/hiff/listing.php to avail free passes. Detailed film synopses are available by clicking on each title on the website.