Dharamshala Film Festival

In the cool mountain enclave of Dharamshala, this international film festival has emerged as a cinematic disruptor, masterminded by the visionaries Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam of White Crane Film.

Since its inception in 2012, the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) has become one of India’s leading independent events. DIFF has remained faithful to its mission of promoting contemporary art, cinema and independent media in the Himalayan regions of India, flourishing into an engaged platform that brings together local and high-profile international filmmakers. The festival also nurtures the broader independent filmmaking community in India and South Asia, and builds networks of solidarity, support and resources.

DIFF is known for its bold and adventurous programming that encourages cultural exchange between filmmakers. It champions visuals that examine different societies, cultures and ideas; cutting-edge films that raise discussions on current issues, and address universal themes of the human experience. For example, last year, the programme featured Manthia Diawar's film Angela Davis: A World of Greater Freedom, commissioned by the Sharjah Art Foundation. DIFF’s network of alumni have continued to shape the broader indie scene in South Asia long after the film festival, too.

Taking place in the foothills of the North Indian Himalayas, Dharamshala is a small town that’s home to the exiled Tibetan community and their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Travelling here, you will encounter the rich culture of the Tibetan and Indian communities. Expect piping hot momos and Tibetan tea at every corner, and an abundance of cheerful monks reciting meditations.

Dharamshala Film Festival is one of the finalists for Trippin 50, a cultural calendar featuring the best events around the world. Check out the Trippin 50 hub here.

Date and Location

The 13th edition of Dharamshala International Film Festival will be held in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, on 4-7 November 2024

Weather

The climate in November is dry. It hardly ever rains (21mm of precipitation over one day). It averages highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C.

Price

Typically, festival passes or tickets range from a few hundred to a few thousand Indian rupees, depending on factors such as the type of pass (e.g., single day or full festival access), early bird discounts, and whether you're a student or acquiring general admission.

Transport

Travelling from Delhi to Dharamshala offers three main transportation options. The most common is the 11 to 12-hour overnight bus ride, with tickets ranging from 600 INR to 1500 INR. AC Volvo semi-sleeper buses are the most comfortable, and you can book tickets through Bedi Travel. Alternatively, there are private taxis, bookable via Bedi Travels, that take a similar amount of time.

Train travel is available to the nearest stations, Chakki Bank and Pathankot, but tickets, especially for the popular Delhi-Chakki Bank and Pathankot route, should be booked well in advance. The fastest train is the Jammu Rajdhani, taking 7 hours. Plan accordingly and arrange for taxi pickups through local travel agents when opting for train travel.

Accommodation

Dharamshala offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels in lively McLeod Ganj to boutique hotels with mountain views.

Accessibility

The venue for DIFF is spread across a fairly large hilly terrain, so if you need assistance, please contact us beforehand so we can accommodate your requirements as best as possible.