Lucknow: A two-day film festival, Lucknow Film Festival and Imaginarium 2026, began in the city on Friday, bringing together filmmakers, artists and technology enthusiasts to celebrate cinema, artificial intelligence and innovation.The festival was inaugurated by Babita Chauhan, chairperson of the UP State Commission for Women; former Union minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi; filmmaker Jyoti Kapur Das; Kokoro Art Gallery founder Vandana Sehgal; and author Sunita Aron.The festival is also exploring AI-assisted filmmaking, animation, gaming and emerging creative technologies through masterclasses and panel discussions. The sessions include a look at the making of Return of the Jungle and a showcase of Polish animated films.Festival director Renuka Tandon said, “The festival aims to provide established filmmakers and emerging talent a platform to exchange ideas and share stories, while also positioning Lucknow as a vibrant creative hub.”The festival’s screenings feature Indian titles such as Three of Us and A Legacy Remembered, along with short films and documentaries including Chai, Weaving Hope, Vanaba and Shree. International cinema added a global flavour to the line-up, with films from Spain, Pakistan, Poland, Australia, Italy and France.
