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Celebrating cinema: Dharamshala Film Festival returns with a focus on female directors
The Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) is set to take the cinematic world by storm with its 13th edition, running from November 7-10. This year, the festival proudly showcases an impressive array of talent, with female filmmakers commanding over half of the feature selections. With a lineup boasting 80 films from 28 countries, DIFF promises a celebration of global cinema like never before.
Highlighting women in cinema
In a move that reflects the evolving landscape of the film industry, DIFF’s 13th edition is a vibrant testament to female creative prowess. Payal Kapadia’s acclaimed film All We Imagine as Light will set the tone as the festival opener. The film, which won the Grand Prix at Cannes, marks a historic moment for India as its first entry in the Palme d’Or competition in three decades.
Bringing the festival to a poignant conclusion is Pooja, Sir, directed by Deepak Rauniyar. Fresh from its premiere in Venice, this film is poised to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
A diverse international slate
This year’s international selection is as diverse as it is impressive. Iconic filmmakers Errol Morris and Pedro Almodóvar will grace the festival with Separated and The Room Next Door, respectively. Almodóvar’s film has already garnered the Golden Lion at Venice, heightening anticipation.
Further enriching the lineup are MA – Cry of Silence, directed by The Maw Naing, which won the Busan New Currents Award, and Agent of Happiness by Arun Bhattarai and Dorottya Zurbó, the standout of Biografilm 2024. These selections underscore DIFF’s commitment to showcasing impactful storytelling from around the globe.
Celebrating Indian cinema
Indian cinema is well-represented with a roster of notable selections. Girls Will Be Girls by Shuchi Talati, renowned for winning the Sundance Audience Award, promises to captivate. Meanwhile, Rima Das returns with Village Rockstars 2, which has already claimed the Kim Jiseok Award at Busan. Adding to the list of premieres is Achal Mishra’s eagerly awaited Chaar Phool Hain Aur Duniya Hai.
Masterclasses and special events
The dynamic landscape of DIFF 2024 is further enlivened by engaging masterclasses and discussions. Esteemed filmmaker Dibakar Banerjee will present a masterclass, sharing insights from his unreleased film Tees. The event also promises a captivating conversation between “Santosh” star Shahana Goswami and programming director Bina Paul.
A festival with a purpose
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas, Dharamshala is not only a picturesque venue but also a historically significant one, being the home of the Dalai Lama since his exile from Tibet in 1959. The festival’s directors, Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam, bring a unique perspective, having chronicled Tibetan culture through their films, including Dreaming Lhasa, The Sun Behind the Clouds: Tibet’s Struggle for Freedom, and The Sweet Requiem. Their latest work is featured in the Tibetan anthology film State of Statelessness.
Ritu Sarin expressed deep pride in this year’s lineup, emphasizing, “I am incredibly proud to see such a strong representation of women in this year’s festival, with 24 out of 45 feature films being directed by women. Their stories are vital, and this year’s lineup is a testament to the creativity and talent within our community.”
Balancing critical themes and escapism
Programming director Bina Paul highlighted the careful curation of the festival’s program, stating, “Our program for the 13th edition of DIFF is a mix of films that directly explore difficult subjects like social inequalities and trauma, and those that allow audiences to briefly forget these realities and lose themselves in different worlds.” This thoughtful blending ensures that viewers experience both poignant reflections on society and moments of pure cinematic escapism.
Gender Sensitivity Award and remote access
The Film Critics Guild will present its Gender Sensitivity Award during the festival, marking a significant nod to the efforts towards gender inclusivity in cinema. Additionally, for those who cannot attend in person, DIFF Online will offer remote access to select titles after the physical festival concludes, opening up the cinematic experience to a broader audience.
With more than 100 filmmakers, cast, and crew members expected to attend, the Dharamshala International Film Festival is set to be a landmark event in the cinematic calendar. Be sure to share this insightful look into DIFF’s offerings and follow for more updates on this and other exciting film festivals.
