'Freedom of Creative Thought & Expression' is the main theme of the 12th edition, which runs from July 27 to August 5.
"It is true that we are returning after a gap of two years but we were dedicated to bring the festival in its original glory. The focus continues to be on Asian and Arab cinema. We have introduced animation as a film craft and freedom of expression as the main theme," Osian's festival director Indu Shrikent told PTI.
She said they decided to embrace 'Turtle' as their logo on the 'World Turtle Day' today to highlight festival's increased focus on environmental issues. Also, turtle is the carrier of river Yamuna and represents the struggle for survival against odds, she added.
The festival could not appear in 2010 and 2011 due to the global economic crisis which affected the art world badly.
"Osian's Connoisseurs of Art is primarily an auction house, which finances the festival. Due to the global meltdown of 2008, the whole economy was affected and it hit the art market badly so we could not bring the festival for two years," Shrikent added.
Cinefan's new '7.4' section, co-curated by Mike Pandey, will highlight films and documentaries dedicated to the themes of environmental issues.
The festival will also pay tribute to late filmmaker Mani Kaul, who was the creative director at Osian's since 2006 and the director general of the 11th festival.
An exhibition from Osian's Film Archive will honour the 'Divas of World Cinema' with special focus on Indian cinema, marking the inauguration of Osians' year-long celebrations for the 100 years of Indian cinema.
The other highlights include a two day summit on 'Delhi As India's Next Cinema City', specially curated events for children, short films from all over the world and a competition for the best short fiction films.
The first Cinefan auction of Indian cinema and Hollywood memorabilia will also happen during the festival.
