Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) proudly announces its 14th edition, to be held from 30 October to 2 November 2025 at the picturesque Tibetan Children’s Village in Upper Dharamshala. Over the past decade, DIFF has firmly established itself as India’s leading independent film festival – not only for the exceptional quality of its curation, but for creating a rare and meaningful space where filmmakers, audiences and ideas connect outside the pressures of the mainstream. Each year, DIFF brings a global selection of pathbreaking cinema to the Himalayan foothills, offering Indian audiences early access to acclaimed films, masterclasses with renowned filmmakers, and thought-provoking discussions that shape the future of independent cinema.

Homebound to open film festival

This year’s Opening Night Film is Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, India’s official entry to the 2026 Oscars. The film follows two childhood friends from a small village in North India who dream of becoming police officers, hoping the job will bring them the respect they never had. However, as they come closer to their goal, mounting pressures and struggles begin to strain their friendship. Homebound is a poignant exploration of ambition, loyalty and the complex realities of rural India – a fitting choice for a festival deeply rooted in stories of place and identity.

“We never set out to become one of the most significant independent film festivals in the country. We simply believed that meaningful cinema deserved a home in the mountains,” say Festival Directors Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam. “DIFF has grown organically over 14 years – not through flash or hype, but through the passion of filmmakers, the trust of our audiences, and the community that returns year after year. That’s what makes it so special.”

Collaboration with Australian films

Following last year’s successful partnership, DIFF continues its collaboration with Sydney Film Festival, welcoming two acclaimed Australian films and their filmmakers to this year’s lineup:

Lesbian Space Princess  by Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese, a vibrant queer sci-fi odyssey and The Wolves Always Come at Night  by Gabrielle Brady, a poetic hybrid documentary on displacement and survival in Mongolia. The film is Australia’s 2025 entry to the Oscars. 

This collaboration not only strengthens cultural ties between India and Australia, but also underscores DIFF’s role as a cross-border hub for artistic exchange.

This year`s highlights include a conversation with celebrated Indian filmmaker Kiran Rao, who will reflect on her cinematic journey, the changing landscape of independent film, and what it means to tell bold, meaningful stories today, and a masterclass with award-winning actor Adil Hussain on how actors can inhabit characters authentically across diverse cultural contexts. The son of legendary Russian director Andrey Tarkovsky, Andrey A. Tarkovsky will also be present to discuss the work and legacy of his father.

Programming highlights for 2025 include:

Curated under the leadership of Bina Paul, DIFF’s Programming Director, this year’s selection reflects a bold and diverse cinematic vision from across the globe.

I, The Song – Dechen Roder (Bhutan, Norway)

A school teacher accused of appearing in a non-consensual video embarks on a journey to prove her innocence by finding her lookalike in southern Bhutan. The film is Bhutan’s 2025 entry to the Oscars.

Sabar Bonda – Rohan Parashuram Kanawade (India, Canada, UK)

A romantic drama about Anand, who returns to his hometown after a family death and rekindles a connection with his childhood friend Balya. Rohan Kanawade’s feature directorial debut explores love, loss and belonging, and premiered at Sundance 2025, where it won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic.

Kneecap - Rich Peppiatt (Ireland, UK)

A wild, irreverent biopic about the rise of the Irish-language rap trio Kneecap, blending political satire, music and youthful rebellion in Belfast’s charged landscape.

Orwell 2+2=5 – Raoul Peck (United States, France)

A bold documentary that reinterprets Orwell’s 1984  for the age of misinformation, from the Oscar-nominated director of I Am Not Your Negro.

Romeria – Carla Simón (Spain, Germany)

Set against the backdrop of a rural pilgrimage, Romeria is a lyrical and intimate portrait of generational change and the quiet resilience of women in small-town Spain.

Cutting Through Rocks – Sara Khaki & Mohammadreza Eyni (Qatar, Chile, Iran, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, United States)

Sara Shahverdi, the first elected councilwoman of her Iranian village, challenges patriarchal norms by empowering teenage girls through motorcycle training and opposing child marriage, but faces backlash that threatens her identity.

Alaav – Prabhash Chandra (India)

Alaav is an intimate yet unsentimental portrayal of 63-year-old Bhaveen, a devoted son and sole caregiver to his 95-year-old mother in Delhi, capturing both the tenderness and emotional complexity of caregiving.

100 Sunset – Kunsang Kyirong (Canada)

A poignant drama about two young Tibetan-Canadian women in Toronto navigating friendship and cultural expectations.

The Love That Remains – Hlynur Pálmason (Iceland)

A stark yet tender exploration of love and memory set against Iceland’s haunting winter landscapes, this feature is making waves on the international festival circuit after its premiere at Cannes 2025.

Songs of Forgotten Trees – Anuparna Roy (India)

Closing our festival and recently honoured with the Orizzonti Award for Best Director at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, this poignant Mumbai-set film follows a migrant actress and part-time sex worker who sublets her apartment to a newly arrived call-centre worker, as a quiet, fragile bond forms between them amid the isolation and hustle of urban life.

Andrey Tarkovsky: A Cinema Prayer – Andrey A. Tarkovsky (Russia, Italy, Sweden)

A deeply personal documentary about the great filmmaker, crafted and presented in person by Tarkovsky’s son, offering rare archival footage and meditations on cinema, faith, and artistic legacy. 

DIFF 2025 will also see the much-awaited India Premiere of actor Kirti Kulhari-led Full Plate, directed by Tannishtha Chatterjee (India).

More about DIFF 2025

DIFF stands apart because it is built on values that matter – artistry, inclusivity and integrity. In a world often dominated by red carpets and box office hype, DIFF serves as a reminder of why cinema truly matters. It is one of the few festivals where genuine conversations take place, and where films are not just seen, but also heard and deeply felt.

Unlike most major film festivals, DIFF is non-competitive – a deliberate choice that shifts the focus from awards to authentic dialogue. This emphasis on exchange over rivalry allows filmmakers and audiences to engage with stories on their own terms, fostering a culture of openness, respect and reflection.