Both an emotional and logistical test

“Returning to Dharamshala this year was both an emotional and logistical test,” Sushil Chaudhary, Founder & CEO of PictureTime, shares. “The region endured a challenging season, and we were very aware of that during our planning process.” The rugged terrain posed inherent challenges, which were intensified by the devastation from the monsoon, including altered access routes and ongoing recovery of local infrastructure.

However, the return of the festival was more than just a business decision; it represented a commitment to make cinema accessible anywhere. “Bringing it back to Dharamshala in the face of these challenges reaffirmed that vision,” Chaudhary emphasizes.

Cinema restores normalcy

The monsoon floods in August and September led to over 90 landslides across Himachal Pradesh, resulting in significant loss of life and altering the region’s landscape. Coordinating with local authorities and volunteers was essential in ensuring a safe pathway to the venue. Modifications were made for safety, but there was never a thought of scaling things down.

PictureTime’s inflatable theatre, a standout feature of the festival, is also making a return. Chaudhary notes, “When a community experiences trauma, art—especially cinema—acts as a bridge back to normalcy, restoring collective joy, belonging, and identity.”

About DIFF 2025

The 2025 edition of the Dharamshala International Film Festival kicks off on Thursday, October 30, featuring the opening film, Homebound by Neeraj Ghaywan. Other noteworthy screenings include the award-winning Sabar Bonda and Songs of Forgotten Trees. Additionally, masterclasses will be conducted by notable figures such as Kiran Rao, Adil Hussain, and Andrey A. Tarkovsky, son of legendary director Andrei Tarkovsky. The festival will conclude on November 2.