The highly anticipated 14th Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) is set to open with Neeraj Ghaywan’s critically acclaimed film, Homebound. This poignant feature, starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, has also been selected as India’s official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards. The festival will conclude with Anuparna Roy’s Venice prize-winning masterpiece, Songs of Forgotten Trees, promising a captivating start and finish to the cinematic celebration.
Scheduled from October 30 to November 2, DIFF proudly renews its collaboration with the Sydney Film Festival. This partnership brings two remarkable Australian films to the mountains: Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese’s unique queer sci-fi adventure, Lesbian Space Princess, and Gabrielle Brady’s powerful drama, The Wolves Always Come at Night, which is Australia’s official submission for the Oscars.
The festival’s diverse program boasts several other must-see highlights. Viewers can look forward to Bhutan’s Oscar entry, I, The Song, directed by Dechen Roder; Rohan Parashuram Kanawade’s Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner, Cactus Pears; Rich Peppiatt’s compelling Irish-language film, Kneecap; and Raoul Peck’s thought-provoking documentary, Orwell 2+2=5.
Further enriching the selection are Spanish director Carla Simon’s Romeria, Hlynur Palmason’s Cannes-selected The Love That Remains, and Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni’s Cutting Through Rocks. Indian cinema is also well-represented with Prabhash Chandra’s Alaav, Kunsang Kyirong’s 100 Sunset, and Tannishtha Chatterjee’s Full Plate, a film that debuted at Busan and stars Kirti Kulhari and Sharib Hashmi.
For those interested in a deeper dive, a review of Homebound notes how Neeraj Ghaywan ‘applies balm on the cracked heels of a world pulling apart,’ highlighting the film’s profound impact.
Another intriguing read explores how Orizzonti Best Director Anuparna Roy discusses her debut film and her remarkable journey from West Bengal to Venice.
Beyond film screenings, the festival offers unique opportunities for engagement. Acclaimed filmmaker Kiran Rao will lead a masterclass, while actor Adil Hussain will host a session exploring how performers achieve authenticity across varied cultural landscapes. Festival Directors Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam shared their vision, stating, “We never intended to become one of the country’s most prominent independent festivals. Our sole belief was that meaningful cinema deserved a home nestled in the mountains.”
Reflecting on DIFF’s journey, the directors added, “It has grown organically over 14 years, fueled not by flash or hype, but by the passion of filmmakers, the trust of our audiences, and the steadfast community that returns year after year. This is precisely what makes it so meaningful.” Furthermore, Programming Director Bina Paul has assembled an exceptional lineup, including a special presentation by Andrey A. Tarkovsky, son of the legendary Russian filmmaker Andrey Tarkovsky. He will personally introduce the documentary Andrey Tarkovsky: A Cinema Prayer, featuring rare archival footage, and share insights into his father’s profound work and enduring legacy.