Dharamshala International Film Festival 2025 Returns with Diverse Global Indie Lineup

The 14th edition of the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) is set to be held from October 30 to November 2, 2025, at the Tibetan Children’s Village campus in Upper Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Known as one of India’s foremost platforms for independent cinema, this year’s edition promises a compelling mix of Indian and international films, documentaries, and shorts celebrating meaningful storytelling.

Curated by festival director Bina Paul, the 2025 lineup showcases acclaimed and emerging filmmakers from around the world. The festival will open with Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa — India’s official entry for the Oscars 2026. The closing film, Songs of Forgotten Trees by Anuparna Roy, recently won the Best Director (Orizzonti) award at the Venice Film Festival 2025.

International highlights include Australian titles such as Lesbian Space Princess and The Wolves Always Come at Night (Australia’s Oscars submission), alongside acclaimed features like I, The Song (Bhutan/Norway), Kneecap (Ireland/UK), and Orwell 2+2=5 (US/France). The Indian lineup features powerful indie films including Sabar Bonda and Full Plate.

Festival founders Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam described DIFF as a “community-driven celebration of meaningful cinema,” highlighting its growth through audience trust rather than commercial spectacle. The event will also feature interactive sessions and masterclasses, including one by filmmaker Kiran Rao, designed to encourage dialogue between artists and audiences.

Maintaining its non-competitive format, DIFF aims to promote creative freedom and cinematic diversity against the serene backdrop of the Himalayas. With its carefully curated selection and focus on independent voices, DIFF 2025 reinforces its reputation as a distinctive and thought-provoking celebration of world cinema.