The 3rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI), held in New Delhi from 8–21 January 1965, marked a historic milestone as the first competitive international film festival in India. Chaired by Satyajit Ray and inaugurated by President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the festival received FIAPF's prestigious 'A' category accreditation, placing it alongside internationally renowned film festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Karlovy Vary, and Moscow.
