Dharamshala festival to showcase cinema from across the world

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The 15th Dharamshala International Film Festival will screen 95 films from 40 countries from October 29 to November 1, providing a platform for independent cinema, Himalayan culture and local stories.

The festival will be held near the Tibetan Children’s Village and feature world, Asian and Indian films. Organisers said screening passes had sold out 10 days before the event, while entry to other festival programmes would remain open to all.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Vinay Kumar said the festival, which began in 2012, had reached its 15th edition. He praised the efforts of its founders, Ritu Sarin and Tenzing, and said the event was supporting the local economy alongside providing entertainment.

Around 1,200 to 1,500 guests from different parts of India and abroad are expected to visit Dharamshala, benefiting hotels and taxi operators, Kumar said.

Festival director Ritu Sarin said the programme would include feature-length, short and medium-length films. It would feature 10 Indian and 10 Asian film premieres.

A key feature will be Kati Ki Rati (Hunter’s Moon), a film based on Himachal Pradesh’s Gaddi community. Around 40 local people have acted in the film, Sarin said.

The festival will also screen nine films from the Himalayan region. A mentorship programme has been introduced for seven filmmakers from the region, including one from Himachal Pradesh. Experienced filmmakers will guide the selected participants in developing their first or second films.

Sarin said a shortage of screening halls and facilities in Dharamshala remained a challenge to expanding the festival. Equipment is brought from Delhi for screenings. A large hall at the Tibetan Children’s Village and three halls provided by partner PictureTime will be used for the event.