The 3rd annual Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) takes place October 30–November 2, this year. DIFF 2014 includes forty-one titles with a particular focus on the Middle East, Tibet and China.
A special sidebar presents a selection of Indian short films curated by Umesh Kulkami and a series of animated films curated by Gitanjali Rao, the leading animator in India. There will be a tribute to the late German filmmaker, Harun Farocki.
Other highlights include A Gesar Bard’s Tale, by Donagh Coleman and Lharigtso; Vara: A Blessing, by Khyentse Norbu; Chimeras, by Mika Mattila; Bringing Tibet Home, by Tenzin Tsetan Choklay; Only Lovers Left Alive, by Jim Jarmusch; and The Square, by Jehane Noujaim. Filmmakers attending include Gatanjali Rao, Khyentse Norbu, Pushpa Rawat, Hansal Mehtaj, Chaitanya Tamhane, Rjat Kapoor Tenzin Tsetan Choklay, and Donagh Coleman.
The nonprofit DIFF was founded by veteran filmmakers Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam, who continue to lead the organization in their hometown of Dharamshala, India. Recently they said, “that contrary to industry doomsayers proclaiming the death of independent cinema, there is, in fact, an abundance of good films being made out there. As far as we can tell, indie films are well and alive and finding ever more creative ways to tell their stories and adapt to changing circumstances.”
From The Daily Mail (Mail Online India), Ritu Sarin, festival co-director added: “Filmmakers world over, who keep tabs of the festival circuit, are now aware of the Dharamshala festival. They contact us for participation, which is heartening. Independent feature films and documentaries need screening space, which is what we aim to provide. For cinebuffs and the media, the place is a scenic destination. It acts as tonic for those living in the cities.”
Buddhist Film Foundation is proud to serve as fiscal sponsor for DIFF.
