NEW DELHI: A total of 171 films from 39 countries across the world will be showcased during the Second Delhi international Film festival which commenced here today.

The Queen of Thailand, Dr. Mom Luang Rajadarasri Jayankura, and Indian Premier League Chairman Rajeev Shukla were present. Others who attended the opening included Sri Lanka Cultural Affairs and cultural Heritage Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, and Mrs. Aliki Koutsomitopoulou, Deputy chief of Mission, Embassy of Greece in India who were the guests of honour. 

The Festival opened with the critically acclaimed Srilankan Film "Siddhartha Gautama" by director Saman Virman. Virman, Lead actors Gagan Malik and Aanchal, and Producers Naveen and N G Perera were present.

The festival is a seven day event and will have fashion, singing and poetry sections along with the film section. Actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha will be presented the Lifetime Achievement Award for his valuable contribution to Indian Cinema and Politics.  Muzaffar Ali’s classic film ‘Umrao Jaan’ will have a special screening and award.

Earlier, Gagan Malik who also played Ram in ‘Ramayana’ earlier this year said “The festival is beginning with a film that gives the message of world peace and unity.” He further added “playing the role of young Gautam Buddha was an honour as well as a responsibility for me.”
The films includes 15 Short films; 28 Indian feature films; 12 Indian documentaries; 36 Indian short films; ten NRI films; five Animation films; seven films from across the borders; and 18 Student films.

The festival includes some prizes for films in categories like "Best Feature Film", Best Documentaries, Best Short films etc. 

Ariel Cohen's "Take Mama", from Israel will be the closing film of the festival on 27 December.