Visit a Film Festival In The Mountains!
Started by filmmakers and longtime Dharamshala residents Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam, the Dharamshala International Film Festival is one of the most remarkable events in the country celebrating the art of filmmaking. Conceptualised with an aim to give the local community and particularly the youth a platform for alternative cinema, the film festival is now widely recognised and attracts a large number of renowned and new filmmakers each year. Today, 5 years and countless films later, the Dharamshala International Film Festival or DIFF has become a source of inspiration for those with an interest in films.
”The Dharamshala International Film Festival is my favourite film festival in India because there are no frills attached to it. It is purely about watching films and meeting people… there are opportunities to make real contact. This aspect makes it a really special and unique festival.
Adil Hussain
Actor, Mukti Bhavan
What is it about?
With a level to surpass every year, DIFF is constantly changing and getting better. However, it largely focuses on curating a programme of the best of current indie cinema. The film festival has seen a mix of long and short, fiction and documentary films over the years, making it ideal for everybody who loves a good viewing.
Why should the youth attend?
The DIFF organises several workshops for those looking to learn and hone their filmmaking skills. With the new DHARAMSHALA PJLF EDITING WORKSHOP 2018 taking place from 29 October to 4 November this year, the festival is the perfect place to learn the art of film editing. If you’ve been looking for some motivation and inspiration to take up a career in films, attending this workshop can provide that much-needed push.
This year, DIFF will also give two teams of Director and Editor the opportunity to screen their film. They will also receive useful feedback from a team of experienced professionals and gain two follow-up sessions of working with the Editing Mentor on revising their cut and/or concentrating on particular sequences in their film. This is a wonderful opportunity for newcomers in the industry.
Besides, the platform is fabulous for budding talents who can connect and network with renowned filmmakers and artists. Alternatively, one can also be a volunteer at the festival and get a glimpse of all the backstage action.
Anyone who loves and appreciates cinema, films and music must visit the festival once. With so much to see, learn and experience, this event is not to be missed! Every year, the festival sees a mix of filmmakers and volunteers, grown-ups, children and travellers from across the globe, all of whom contribute to enriching the festival in their own ways.
Where is it held and how can you be a part of DIFF?
In 2018, DIFF will step into its 7th year and is expected to take place at Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. The venue is Tibetan Children’s Village school. The dates are 1st to 4th November 2018.
Chandrika September 20, 2018
