What better way to begin the new year than travelling the world through cinema. As 2026 opens, students and film lovers in Hyderabad are set for a rare cultural treat as global stories, young voices and powerful visuals come together on one screen. From thought-provoking children’s films to acclaimed world cinema, the three-day international film festival at Maulana Azad National Urdu University promises learning, imagination and cross-cultural dialogue, inviting audiences to watch, reflect and connect beyond borders.
The Special Editions of the Culture Cinema Film Festival and the KidzCINEMA International Children’s Film Festival will be hosted by the Instructional Media Centre of Maulana Azad National Urdu University from January 1 to 3, 2026, at the IMC Preview Theatre on the MANUU campus in Gachibowli. The international festival will bring together students, educators and cinephiles for a carefully curated cinematic experience, with the inaugural function scheduled at 11 am on 1st January.
Festival highlights at a glance:
- Dates: January 1 to January 3, 2026
- Venue: IMC Preview Theatre, MANUU Campus, Gachibowli
- Opening film: The Adventures of Princess Mirabilis from Angola
- Films from more than ten countries including India, France, Brazil, Iran, Nigeria, Spain, Russia, Peru, Indonesia, China, Belgium, Portugal and the Philippines
- Guest of Honour: Praveen Nagda, Festival Director, KidzCINEMA and C2F2
- Entry: Free and open to students, faculty and film enthusiasts
The festival is being organised by the Instructional Media Centre, MANUU, in association with C2F2 and KidzCINEMA Film Festival, two internationally recognised platforms known for promoting meaningful cinema and children’s film culture. The programme reflects a strong focus on cultural diversity, global narratives and cinema as a medium of education and social engagement.
Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor Prof Syed Ainul Hasan said the festival would expose students to global storytelling traditions and help develop creative, critical and cultural sensibilities, adding that cinema remains a powerful tool for learning and cultural exchange. Registrar Prof Sk Ishtiaque Ahmed noted that such initiatives strengthen holistic education and enrich the academic environment by introducing students to diverse perspectives.
Curated under the guidance of Rizwan Ahmad, Director of the Instructional Media Centre, the festival aims to promote quality cinema among students and encourage appreciation of global cultures and artistic expression. Festival Director Praveen Nagda said hosting the Special Editions at MANUU is especially meaningful, as universities play a vital role in shaping socially conscious audiences through stories that build empathy, curiosity and understanding.
So film lovers, here’s your open invitation, walk in, take a seat, and enjoy stories from around the world on the big screen.
Got questions or experiences to share? Comment below or connect with me on Instagram @samuelmjosh and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-joshua-maddela-ab210b1b9
