India’s leading platforms for independent cinema — the 14th edition of the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) will begin from October 30 to November 2, the organisers announced on Wednesday. The international event will be held at the Tibetan Children’s Village in Upper Dharamshala.
DIFF 2025 will open with filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s "Homebound", starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa. The film is India’s representation at the Oscars 2026. Global lineup, including Australian films "Lesbian Space Princess" and "The Wolves Always Come at Night", the latter being Australia’s entry for the Academy Awards, will also be shown at the event. Besides these, Rohan Parashuram Kanawade's "Sabar Bonda" and Tannishtha Chatterjee's "Full Plate" as well as "I, The Song", "Kneecap", and "Orwell 2+2=5".
Anuparna Roy's "Songs of Forgotten Trees", the winner of the Orizzonti Best Director award at Venice 2025, will bring the curtains down on the festival.
“We never set out to become one of the most prominent independent festivals in the country. We simply believed that meaningful cinema deserved a home in the mountains,” Festival directors Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam said in a statement.
“DIFF has grown organically over 14 years – not through flash or hype, but through the passion of filmmakers, the trust of our audiences, and the community that returns year after year. That’s what makes it so meaningful," they added.
DIFF will also host a masterclass by acclaimed filmmaker Kiran Rao, who will reflect on her cinematic journey and the evolving landscape of independent cinema.
DIFF will also feature a masterclass by acclaimed filmmaker Kiran Rao, who will share insights on her cinematic journey and the evolving landscape of independent cinema. Known for its non-competitive format, DIFF emphasises dialogue and exchange rather than awards, creating a platform where filmmakers and audiences can engage meaningfully with films.
This year’s festival is curated under programming director Bina Paul and will include immersive screenings made possible by tech partner PictureTime, which provides inflatable digital theatres for audiences in remote Himalayan locations.
Follow us
