It’s not often that we get the best of both worlds. But a four-day-festival spent watching quality cinema, indulging in discussions with noted filmmakers and actors, and enjoying a hill station stay does sound like a dream come true for both, travelers and cinephiles. And that’s exactly what the Dharamshala International Film Festival promises. 

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The aim of DIFF is to bring ‘independent cinema to the mountains’, and it’s been running for seven years now. Started by filmmakers Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam, DIFF hosts noted filmmakers and personalities from across the globe and screen movies across different genres. 

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This year, the festival will take place from November 7 to November 10, is expected to screen Indian and international movies from different genres, and of course, will treat the audience to the culture and cuisine of Dharamshala. 

Additionally, attendees will also get a chance to participate in filmmaking workshops, join in conversations with award-winning filmmakers and actors, and of course, enjoy quality cinema. 

In the past film personalities like Naseeruddin Shah, Hansal Mehta, Guneet Monga, Adil Hussain, Konkona Sen Sharma, and many others have been a part of the film festival. Additionally, the film festival also aims at mentoring local talent. 

In the current edition, its initial lineup includes a mix of Indian and international documentary and narrative features, such as About Love, Khanaur, Last Night I Saw You Smiling, For Sama and many more. 

The lineup also includes animated feature film Bombay Rose, directed by Gitanjali Rao (of October fame). Her debut project, the film opened the Venice International Film Critics’ Week. It was the first Indian animation film to open the week at the festival.

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This is a platform that exposes people to quality cinema from across the globe – and it’s set in an area that most tourists jump at the chance to explore. Talk about a match made in heaven! 

All images provided by DIFF. Find more details about the festival here and find tickets here.