Dharamshala International Film Festival Set to Begin on October 30

To be held at the Tibetan Children’s Village from October 30 to November 2

The postcard-perfect town of Dharamshala, long regarded as a haven for independent cinema, is ready to host the 14th edition of the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF). Festival co-founder Ritu Sarin announced the details at a joint press conference with the district administration earlier today.

Shilpi Becta, Additional District Magistrate of Kangra, urged residents to participate actively in the event, saying the administration was “wholeheartedly supporting the festival.”

Over the past decade, DIFF has emerged as a vital platform for independent filmmaking—celebrated not just for its thoughtful curation, but also for fostering meaningful conversations among filmmakers, audiences, and ideas away from the pressures of mainstream cinema. Each year, it brings to the Himalayan foothills a remarkable lineup of global films, along with masterclasses and discussions that continue to shape the future of independent cinema.

This year’s opening film, Homebound by Neeraj Ghaywan—India’s official entry for the 2026 Oscars—is a poignant exploration of ambition, loyalty, and rural realities. Festival directors Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam said, “We never aimed to become one of India’s biggest film festivals. We simply believed that meaningful cinema deserved a home in the mountains.”

Continuing its partnership from last year, DIFF will once again collaborate with the Sydney Film Festival, featuring two acclaimed Australian films: Lesbian Space Princess by Emma Hoff Hobbs and Leela Varghese, and The Wolves Always Come at Night by Gabrielle Brady—further strengthening artistic ties between India and Australia.

Responding to a question about the recent monsoon-related devastation in the region, Sarin said the festival would include a dedicated panel on environmental issues in the Himalayan belt. Other highlights include a conversation with Kiran Rao, a masterclass with Adil Hussain, and a special session with Andrei A. Tarkovsky reflecting on his father’s cinematic legacy.

Among the films to be screened are I, the Song, Sabar Bonda, Nikap, Orwell 2+2=5, Romeria, and Cutting Through Rocks. The festival will close with Annapurna Roy’s Songs of Forgotten Trees, winner of the Orizzonti Award at the 2025 Venice Film Festival.

Set against the snow-clad Dhauladhar mountains, DIFF 2025 promises a celebration of cinema rooted in artistry, inclusivity, and integrity.