Founded by Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam in 2012, DIFF has transformed into a highly-anticipated venue for independent filmmakers. The founders describe the selection process as highly competitive, with film submissions starting as early as May. This year, the panel received approximately 700 entries, selecting just over 80 for screening.

“Our programming team, composed of interns and cinema studies students, engages in extensive cross-watching to refine the selections,” explains Bina Paul, DIFF’s programming director.

Highlighted Films

This year’s lineup features notable titles such as The Wolves Always Come at Night, a 2024 Mongolian docudrama directed by Gabrielle Brady, which tells the story of a couple who must leave their shepherding life due to a climate crisis. This film represents Australia’s entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards.

Other prominent films include Homebound, directed by Masaan filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, starring Ishaan Khattar and Janhvi Kapoor, along with Rohan Parashuram Kanawade’s Marathi breakthrough,Sabar Bonda.

Unique Features

A few lesser-known films to watch are 100 Sunset, the tale of an introverted thief in the Tibetan community of Toronto, and Alaav, a Hindi drama about a son caring for his elderly mother in Delhi. Additionally, Rita Heer’s short film Abja and Her Pickled Eggs explores a woman’s decision about motherhood.

Documentaries include Cutting Through Rocks, focusing on the first councilwoman of a conservative Iranian village and Orwell 2+2 = 5, which delves into George Orwell’s later months while writing ‘1984’.

Another highlight is Andrey Tarkovsky: A Cinema Prayer, reflecting on the legendary filmmaker’s life and work, accompanied by unpublished poems read by his father, Arseny Tarkovsky.

Engagements and Philosophy

Alongside the film screenings, the festival promises conversations with filmmakers and artists including Kiran Rao and Adil Hussain. Paul notes, “Each year, our screenings aim to create an anthology of quality cinema. As a smaller festival, we curate with great care.”

Set against the tranquil backdrop of the mountains, DIFF fosters a unique atmosphere where the philosophy of cinema aligns with the local culture. “While there isn’t a specific theme, the venue profoundly influences our curation,” Paul concludes.