Dharamshala International Film Festival 2025: October 30 to November 2

Celebrated as one of India’s premier platforms for independent cinema, DIFF 2025 will kick off with Neeraj Ghaywan’s film “Homebound,” featuring stars like Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor. This film will represent India at the Oscars 2026.

This year’s lineup includes a variety of international films, notably the Australian entries “Lesbian Space Princess” and “The Wolves Always Come at Night,” the latter acting as Australia’s submission for the Academy Awards.

Other highlights entail works by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade and Tannishtha Chatterjee, alongside titles such as “I, The Song,” “Kneecap,” and “Orwell 2 2=5.” The festival will conclude with Anuparna Roy’s “Songs of Forgotten Trees,” a recipient of the Orizzonti Best Director award at Venice 2025.

Festival directors Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam expressed, “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.”

They further noted, “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.”

Attendees can also look forward to a masterclass by acclaimed filmmaker Kiran Rao, who will share insights on her cinematic journey and the changing landscape of independent cinema.

DIFF is distinctive for its non-competitive approach. It emphasizes dialogue and interaction instead of awards, creating an environment where filmmakers and audiences can engage meaningfully with the films presented.

This year’s festival is curated by programming director Bina Paul, featuring enhanced screenings made possible by tech partner PictureTime, which offers inflatable digital theatres for remote Himalayan communities.