The cinematic landscape of India is gearing up for another momentous occasion as the 13th edition of the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) prepares to open its doors to a plethora of global storytelling. Set amidst the serene and picturesque backdrop of Dharamshala, the festival promises a vibrant convergence of creativity and culture from November 7th to 10th.
Headlining this year’s festival is the highly anticipated film “All We Imagine As Light,” which has achieved the distinction of winning the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. This accolade makes its Indian filmmaker, Kapadia, the first from the nation to clinch such a prestigious award. The narrative follows two Kerala nurses navigating their lives in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai—an intimate exploration of friendship, challenges, and the unyielding pursuit of dreams. As it makes its India premiere at DIFF, audiences are offered a first look before it graces theaters across the country on November 22.
Kapadia expressed her excitement in a statement, commending DIFF for its role in celebrating independent cinema in India. “DIFF is a beautiful festival that brings together independent cinema in India, and I’m so happy that ‘All We Imagine as Light’ will be screened as the opening film,” she stated, highlighting her anticipation for the audience’s reception.
This year, DIFF presents a carefully curated selection of over 80 films. This includes narrative features, riveting documentaries, and evocative short films that reflect a spectrum of cultural and social topics. Film enthusiasts will revel in stories that transcend borders with films from South Asia and beyond taking center stage.
Joining “All We Imagine As Light” is the much-awaited sequel, “Village Rockstars 2,” by distinguished filmmaker Rima Das. The narrative, set in an idyllic village, follows the journey of a teenage girl whose dreams of becoming a musician clash with the harsh realities of life. This poignant storyline of resilience and hope serves as a reminder of the profound bond between life and music.
DIFF will also feature “Nocturnes,” a film directed by Anirban Dutta and Anupama Srinivasan. Transporting viewers into the heart of India’s lush forests, the film follows ecologist Mansi and her collaborator Bicki as they embark on a journey to study moths.
. Through their eyes, the audience is challenged to reassess humanity’s connection with the natural world.
In addition to these captivating tales, “MA — Cry of Silence” by The Maw Naing offers a unique perspective set against the backdrop of Myanmar’s political turmoil in 2022. This narrative poignantly captures the civil unrest following the military coup on February 1, 2021.
The festival further elevates its narrative tapestry with “From Ground Zero,” a compelling collection of 22 short films from the war-torn region of Gaza. This compilation, spearheaded by renowned Palestinian filmmaker Rashid Masharawi, is set to make its South Asia premiere, promising a gripping portrayal of the human experience amidst conflict.
Adding depth to the film roster is “In the Land of Brothers.” This stirring narrative by Alireza Ghasemi and Raha Amirfazl depicts an extended refugee family’s harrowing journey to Iran under the shadow of the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, revealing the unforeseen challenges ahead.
Another significant entry is “State of Statelessness,” an anthology feature film delving into the plight of Tibetan exiles. Directed by Tenzin Tsetan Choklay, Sonam Tseten, Tsering Tashi Gyalthang, and DIFF co-founders Tenzing Sonam and Ritu Sarin, this poignant piece explores themes of identity and exile with a focus on the Tibetan experience.
Bina Paul, DIFF’s director of programming, emphasized the diversity and depth of this year’s lineup, which addresses pressing global issues and humanistic stories. “More and more young people are taking up the camera to tell their personal stories, providing a fresh eye on many pressing concerns,” Paul remarked. She highlighted how the selection reflects a wide spectrum—from the war zones to silent human introspections—essentially a mirror to the world’s complexities.
Festival co-founder Ritu Sarin concluded by reiterating DIFF’s ethos as a platform that serves not just as an exhibition of films, but as a space fostering meaningful dialogue between filmmakers and audiences. This year’s festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of cinema, an experience that engages, inspires, and ignites thought across the global landscape.
