Dharamshala to see the best of independent cinema

DHARAMSHALA: The scenic hill station, serving as headquarters for the exiled Tibetans, is emerging as a hub of independent cinema.
With the beginning of winters, filmmakers have started flocking here for film festivals. Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) and Free Spirit Film Festival, scheduled to be held in November, would feature films from across the world.
DIFF (November 5 to 8) is an alternative, offbeat independent film festival held annually in McLeodganj. This year, the festival will showcase an eclectic mix of the best of independent features, documentaries, shorts and animation films from India and the world.
DIFF 2015's opening night film will be the critically acclaimed Indian feature 'Titli' by Kanu Behl who will introduce the film to the audience, along with actor Ranvir Shorey. Behl's directorial debut was made at Cannes Film Festival 2014. The festival will close with Cannes Film Festival award winner, Masaan, by Neeraj Ghaywan.
DIFF, in its fourth edition, will also see the launch of its new programme specifically tailored towards younger audiences. Film curator and director of South Asia Children's Cinema Forum, Monica Wahi, has selected a range of animated and live action children's films from around the globe. "It will also host the second edition of film fellows programme for aspiring filmmakers in the Indian Himalayan region," said Ritu Sarin, one of the main organizers of DIFF.
The 11th edition of Free Spirit Film Festival will commence from Thursday for three days in McLeodganj. A total of 15 independent films from around the world in all genres will be screened. "We were overwhelmed with film submissions this year. It was difficult to make choices, understanding hard works of all the filmmakers, who of course would like their films screened everywhere," said Lobsang Wangyal, director of festival.
"Since we don't choose a specific theme for the festival, we look at each film for its originality in concept, uniqueness in presentation, and difference in approach for approving the selection. The chorus of voices from the selected films gives a natural theme to the festival -- about our own lives, beliefs and imaginations," he added.