12th Rajasthan International Film Festival (RIFF) 2026 begins in Jodhpur
“A Powerful Platform to Promote Rajasthani Language, Folk Arts and Rich Culture” – Rajit Kapur
The 12th edition of the Rajasthan International Film Festival (RIFF) 2026 commenced on Saturday with a grand opening ceremony in Jodhpur. The five-day festival, celebrating cinema and culture, began on a vibrant note with screenings, cultural performances, and distinguished guests from the film fraternity and government.
Renowned Hindi cinema and theatre actor, writer, and director Rajit Kapur graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The event was presided over by Bhanu Pratap, Deputy Director of the Rajasthan Tourism Department. Special guests included Country Partner – Poland , representative Malgorzata Wiezes, Cultural Brand Ambassador Rajasthani Madhu, Miraj North India GM Arun Tak, STAGE OTT Co-founder Praveen Singhal, and social worker Pawan Mehta.
Festival Director Somendra Harsh welcomed the dignitaries and elaborated on the vision and highlights of the 12th RIFF edition.
Addressing the audience, Rajit Kapur shared his deep admiration for Jodhpur and Rajasthan’s cultural legacy. “I have been visiting Jodhpur for nearly 15 years, and the culture of Rajasthan has always left a profound impact on me,” he said. He emphasized that Rajasthan International Film Festival – RIFF is not only a celebration of cinema’s diverse expressions but also a strong platform to promote Rajasthani language, folk arts, and the state’s rich cultural heritage. He added that audiences continue to appreciate meaningful cinema when films are made with sincerity and strong storytelling.
Bhanu Pratap highlighted the Rajasthan Government’s continuous efforts to promote regional cinema through the Rajasthan Film Making Policy, under which financial grants are provided to filmmakers to encourage quality Rajasthani films.
The evening also featured captivating cultural performances that showcased Rajasthan’s artistic vibrancy. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by RIFF Co-founder Anshu Harsh.
12 Films Screened on Day 1 : A total of 12 films were screened on the opening day of the festival, representing diverse genres and countries.
The lineup included:
Under the Skin (Short Film International – Italy)
An Ordinary Couple ( Feature Film International – USA)
Welcome to Vegas (Feature Film International – USA)
Lost World (Bengali Feature Film)
Dance of Shiva ( Documentary Film International – India & France)
Kakori (Hindi Short Film)
Chopin, Chopin (Feature Film International – Poland)
The Sumerpur Files (Documentary Film – India)
Birha (Punjabi Short Film)
Jholachhap (Bhojpuri Film)
A Teacher’s Gift (UK & India Co-Production)
Bole To Meetho Laage (Music Album)
Kakori, Birha and The Sumerpur Files Draw Strong Response :
Among the most appreciated films of the day were Kakori, Birha, and The Sumerpur Files. Kakori, directed by Kamlesh Mishra, is set against the turbulent backdrop of 1920s British India. The film commemorates the centenary of the historic Kakori train incident and pays tribute to revolutionary leaders such as Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, and Chandrashekhar Azad. It highlights their courage, ideals, sacrifice, and the spirit of patriotism that shaped India’s freedom movement.
Birha, directed by Puneet, portrays a deeply emotional father-son relationship. Actor Rajit Kapur, who is associated with the film, shared that it was shot in just one day and one night.
The Sumerpur Files, initiated by Dr. Anil Purohit and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, documents a landmark HIV/AIDS intervention initiative in India. Set in Pali, Jalore, and Sumerpur, the project focused on migrant workers and their families. It evolved from a local rehabilitation effort into a nationally recognized model, demonstrating how sustained awareness and community-based care can reintegrate affected families into mainstream society.
