The first-ever South Asian Film Festival, showcasing more than 70 films from the region, begins in New Delhi on Tuesday with the premiere of Sri Lankan movie 'Dheevari'.
Eight countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Afghanistan, are participating in the weeklong festival.
This year Sri Lanka is the focus as the island country has sent the maximum number of entries.
"The South Asian Film Festival aims at dissolving boundaries and providing a platform for young directors and actors to cross over international boundaries and reach out to a greater number of people," said Rahul Barua, Secretary General, South Asian Foundation (SAF) at a press conference.
Barua said more than 70 films will be screened in the festival, including mainstream movies, short films and documentaries.
Established directors and film stars have responded very well to the festival and even veteran directors like Gautam Ghosh, Sudhir Mishra, Nagesh Kukunoor and some other stalwarts from the industry are participating in the festival, said stage actress Rameeza Akhtar.