Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Oct. 28: One of India’s most loved independent film festival, the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF), is set to return for its 13th edition from November 7 to 10 at the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) in Upper Dharamshala. Known for its thoughtfully curated line-up, DIFF 2024 will present a diverse selection of over 80 films, ranging from 44 narrative features to documentaries, 32 short films, and 13 mid-length films, spotlighting dynamic voices from South Asia and beyond.
This year’s festival will also host masterclasses and discussions featuring renowned Indian filmmaker Dibakar Banerjee, known for works like Khosla Ka Ghosla! and Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, and actress Shahana Goswami, whose latest film, Santosh, is the UK’s entry for the 2025 Oscars in the Best International Feature Film category.
Adding to the excitement, this year’s line-up of independent films includes four Tibetan titles: Hiraeth by Kunga Choephel and Watermill (Chunthag) by Jamyang Phuntsok, both featured in the short films category; State of Statelessness, the first-ever Tibetan anthology feature directed by Tsering Tashi Gyalthang, Sonam Tseten, Tenzing Sonam, Ritu Sarin, and Tenzin Tsetan Choklay, presented under the feature narratives category; and Wisdom of Happiness, a documentary by Swiss-based filmmakers Barbara Miller, Philip Delaquis, and Manuel Bauer.
Speaking to Phayul, Tibetan filmmaker and DIFF co-founder Tenzing Sonam, who has a longstanding connection with Tibetan cinema, commented on this year’s Tibetan line-up, “Aside from the four Tibetan titles premiering in this edition, there was another submission from a Tibetan filmmaker based in Belgium. However, due to the rigorous selection process and the high volume of submissions, not all films could be included. Compared to last year, there’s a notable increase in Tibetan film submissions, which is a promising sign for Tibetan cinema.”
Tenzing Sonam told Phayul that Wisdom of Happiness, a documentary offering an intimate portrayal of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings, will have a special screening exclusively for the Tibetan audience on November 11 at 11 am at Upper TCV, following the festival’s close on November 10.
DIFF was co-founded by filmmakers duo Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam in 2012 with a vision to celebrate independent cinema, cultivate local filmmaking talent, and establish a meaningful cultural platform for Dharamshala’s diverse communities. As long-time residents of Dharamshala, they aimed to create a festival that could amplify unique voices and nurture a space for thoughtful engagement with contemporary issues.
Now in its 13th year, the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) has grown into one of India’s premier platforms for independent cinema. It attracts audiences from across India and around the world, offering a distinctive space for filmmakers to explore unconventional narratives and storytelling techniques. DIFF has developed a reputation for promoting films that delve into marginalised subjects, carving out a significant place in India’s cultural landscape.
