Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Oct. 24: The Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF), one of India’s most loved independent film festivals, is set to return for its 14th edition from October 30 to November 2 at the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) in Upper Dharamshala. Known for its thoughtfully curated line-up, DIFF 2025 will present a diverse selection of over 80 films, including 23 narrative features, 13 documentaries, 46 short and mid-length films, and 3 young adult films.
This year’s line-up of independent films includes three Tibetan titles: 100 Sunset by Canada-based Kunsang Kyirong, Mola – A Tibetan Tale of Love and Loss by Swiss-based filmmakers Yangzom Brauen and Martin Brauen, and Far from Home by Kristi Tethong.
Speaking to Phayul, Tibetan filmmaker and DIFF co-founder Tenzing Sonam stated that a total of six Tibetan film submissions were received this year. Commenting on the titles, he shared, “Kunsang Kyirong’s 100 Sunset, her debut feature, beautifully portrays a Tibetan diasporic community living in Parkdale, Toronto. The film was also screened at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, which is a proud moment for the Tibetan film scene, seeing a young Tibetan filmmaker making her mark on an international platform.”
On Mola – A Tibetan Tale of Love and Loss, he described it as a poignant story that revolves around the filmmaker’s mother and grandmother, and the film captures the emotional passage of time for the two generations who originally escaped Tibet. Speaking about Far from Home, Sonam said, “It is a heartfelt life story of Tsewang Choegyal Tethong and his wife Judy. T.C. Tethong played a crucial role during the establishment of the Mundgod Tibetan Settlement, and the film beautifully chronicles their shared journey.”
Adding to the excitement, this year’s festival will also host a series of engaging sessions, including a conversation with celebrated Indian filmmaker Kiran Rao, who will reflect on her cinematic journey and the evolving landscape of independent film, and a masterclass by award-winning actor Adil Hussain on authentically inhabiting characters across diverse cultural contexts. Additionally, Andrey A. Tarkovsky, the son of legendary Russian director Andrey Tarkovsky, will be present to discuss his late father’s enduring legacy and influence on world cinema.
DIFF was co-founded by filmmaker duo Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam in 2012 with a vision to celebrate independent cinema, nurture local filmmaking talent, and create a meaningful cultural space for Dharamshala’s diverse communities. As long-time residents of the town, the co-founders aimed to create a festival that could amplify unique voices and encourage thoughtful engagement with contemporary issues.
“We never set out to become one of the most significant independent film festivals in the country. We simply believed that meaningful cinema deserved a home in the mountains,” said festival Directors Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam. “DIFF has grown organically over 14 years — not through flash or hype, but through the passion of filmmakers, the trust of audiences, and the community that returns year after year. That’s what makes it so special.”
Now in its 14th year, DIFF has evolved into one of India’s leading platforms for independent cinema, drawing audiences from across the country and abroad. It continues to offer a distinctive space for filmmakers to experiment with unconventional narratives and innovative storytelling. Over the years, DIFF has earned a reputation for championing films that explore marginalised voices and untold stories.
