Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s acclaimed feature homeboundIndia’s official entry for the Oscars 2026 is all set to open the 14th edition of the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF). The much-awaited festival running from October 30 to November 2 will conclude with Anuparna Roy songs of forgotten treesWhich recently won praise at the Venice Film Festival.
Starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, homebound It continues to be talked about domestically and internationally for its compelling storytelling and powerful performances. DIFF’s choice to showcase the film as its opening attraction underlines the festival’s commitment to highlighting the best of India’s independent cinema.
This year’s edition also marks a continuing partnership with the Sydney Film Festival, bringing Australian voices to the Himalayan hills. Two extraordinary selections from Australia will be showcased – lesbian space princessA strange sci-fi adventure by Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese, and a thought-provoking story by Gabrielle Brady wolves always come at nightAustralia’s official Oscar submission for 2026.
The international programming lineup is equally rich and diverse. Major attractions include Bhutan’s Oscar contender me, song By Dechen Roeder and Rohan Parshuram Kanawade cactus pearWhich won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. Irish filmmaker Rich Peppiatt kneesA bold Irish-language film, and Raoul Peck’s provocative documentary Orwell 2+2=5 Has also been displayed prominently.
Other notable films include romeria Hlinur Palmason’s Cannes entry, by Spanish filmmaker Carla Simon the love that’s leftAnd cutting rocksA fascinating documentary by Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Aini. Indian entries like Prabhash Chandra bonfireof Kunsang Kyirong 100 sunsetAnd Tannishtha Chatterjee’s full plate – which premiered in Busan and stars Kirti Kulhari and Sharib Hashmi – a strong and globally diverse selection.
Apart from screenings, DIFF 2025 promises to be a hub of dialogue and learning. Renowned filmmaker Kiran Rao will host a masterclass, providing insights on his cinematic journey and creative process. Acclaimed actor Adil Hussain is also scheduled to conduct a session focused on bringing authenticity in the performance of various cultural narratives.
The festival’s programming director, Beena Paul, has curated a lineup that balances emerging voices with established names. One of the most awaited special presentations Andrey Tarkovsky: A Cinema PrayerThe son of renowned film producer, Andrey A. A documentary by Tarkovsky. He will attend the screening and share rare archival footage along with personal insights into his father’s cinematic legacy.
Reflecting on DIFF’s journey, festival directors Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam said, “We never aimed to become one of the foremost independent festivals in the country. We simply believed that meaningful cinema should find a home in the mountains.”
Now in its 14th year, DIFF continues to thrive – not through glamour, but through community, trust and a passion for independent storytelling.
