Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) was founded by filmmakers and artists Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam in 2012 with the aim of creating a non-partisan public space where Dharamshala’s diverse population could come together, drawn by the common language of cinema. Their hope was to establish a world-class film festival that would expose local audiences to meaningful independent cinema, promote and encourage regional filmmaking talent, and provide a forum where filmmakers and film-lovers could interact in an informal and intimate way.
Every year, DIFF brings high-quality independent films, along with their filmmakers, from India and around the world to Dharamshala. Its line-up includes feature narratives and documentaries, shorts, animation, experimental and children’s films. DIFF also organises workshops, masterclasses and panel discussions, and community outreach projects.
DIFF’s bold and innovative programming, combined with its friendly, homegrown quality and efficient organisation, has made it one of India’s leading film festivals, and a unique space in the mountains for multicultural exchange, creative reflection and discussion.
After two years of going online due to the Covid-19 pandemic, DIFF is back on-ground with its 11th edition. An online version showing selected titles from the line-up will follow the physical festival and go online from 7 to 13 November at online.diff.co.in. DIFF is organised by White Crane Films and White Crane Arts & Media Trust.