Anirban Dutta and Anupama Srinivasan directorial Nocturnes and Alice Rohrwacher’s La Chimera are among the films that will be screened at the upcoming 13th edition of Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF), to be held from November 7 to 10 at the Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) in Upper Dharamshala.
“Our initial festival lineup is here! Get ready to dive into a world of creativity and storytelling with this diverse selection of films. Passes are on sale NOW! Grab yours today and join us for an unforgettable celebration of cinema this November. ,” the festival’s handle posted on X, sharing the first lineup for the film gala.
DIFF 2024 will showcase a rich array of feature films, documentaries and short films, apart from masterclasses and panel discussions offering insights into the craft of filmmaking.
The initial lineup includes Anirban Dutta and Anupama Srinivasan-directed Nocturnes, set in the vibrant forests of the Eastern Himalayas, where moths carry an enigmatic message. As darkness falls, two curious observers shine a light on this hidden realm, uncovering the secrets shared by these mysterious beings.
Alice Rohrwacher’s La Chimera (Italy) will also be screened at the festival. The film follows a group of treasure hunters who delve into the depths of the earth in search of lost artifacts, while simultaneously navigating their personal desires and regrets.
Directed by Barbara Miller and Philip Delaquis, Wisdom of Happiness is a documentary that chronicles the life and teachings of the 14th Dalai Lama.
Co-produced by Palestine and Norway, No Other Land is a documentary directed by Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor that serves as an act of resistance amidst the ongoing conflict in the region, advocating for justice.
Arun Bhattarai and Dorottya Zurbó’s documentary Agents of Happiness will also be screened at DIFF 2024. It chronicles the journey of Bhutanese government officials Amber Kumar Gurung and Guna Raj Kuikel as they traverse the nation to assess the happiness levels of its citizens, which contribute to the calculation of the Gross National Happiness score.
Filipino romantic drama Viet and Nam, directed by Trương Minh Quý, also features in the lineup. Featuring Thi Nga Nguyen and Daniel Viet Tung Le, the film revolves around two coal miners who are in love and aspire to escape their challenging lives for a brighter future, only to be tragically separated by fate.
Founded in 2012 by filmmakers and longtime Dharamshala residents Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam, DIFF aims to bring independent cinema to the Himalayan region, support local filmmaking talent, and create a meaningful cultural platform for the area’s diverse communities.
After two years of hosting online editions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 11th edition of DIFF returned as a physical event in 2022. This year’s edition will follow a hybrid model — physical screenings in Dharamshala and online programmes elsewhere.
