INTERNATIONAL SECTION is the main section of CIFF. 50-60 best International films of that year will be screened. This will be curated and selected by an expert team headed by the Programme Director of CIFF. There will be competition and awards for films under this category.

India being a country of immense diversity, films are made all over India in different languages with regional flavor. Therefore, there is an INDIAN PANORAMA section showcasing the best of Indian regional films. They also include the National Award-winning films and other exceptional films of that year. 15-20 films will be screened under this section.

CIFF has a dedicated TAMIL FILM competition section wherein 12 films are selected from the entries received. These 12 films are screened apart from the jury viewing it for deciding on the awards.

From the 23^rd CIFF onwards, it is proposed to have a “CIFF CLASSICS” section wherein 6 classics (restored films) will be screened.

From 23^rd CIFF, a selection of films from a particular state of India will be screened. Around 6 best films will be screened under this category.

23^rd CIFF will screen films from 1 or 2 particular countries. 5-6 best films from that country will be selected and screened. In this, the curating team will also interact with the embassy/ cultural centers of those countries.

23^rd CIFF shall pay homage to 1 or 2 great directors of World Cinema. 5-6 Movies of these directors will be exclusively screened.

There will be screening of 5-6 films under this category highlighting issues relating to inclusivity.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDG’s) are goals adopted by the whole humanity for themselves. Under this category 5-6 films highlighting conservation, need for environmental protection and sensitizing next generation on SDG goals will be screened. They may be also in the form of documentaries.

RED CARPET SCREENING will consist of 14-16 best films of 23^rd CIFF. These screenings will be held exclusively for senior government officials, members of the judiciary, senior officials from military, prominent citizens, senior members of the film industry and persons invited by the Festival Director.

Red Carpet Screenings will not be open to members of ICAF, registered delegates and any other invitees to 23rd CIFF. This is an exclusive event wherein access will not be allowed unless persons are invited. Even if there are vacant seats, persons other than those who are invited shall not be admitted inside the auditorium.