Dharamshala Film Fest 2025 Unveils Diverse Lineup of Acclaimed Independent Films

The Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) is gearing up to host its 14th edition from October 30 to November 2, 2025, at the picturesque Tibetan Children's Village in Upper Dharamshala. Over the past 14 years, DIFF has firmly established itself as India's leading independent film festival, known for its exceptional curation and for creating a meaningful space where filmmakers, audiences, and ideas connect.

This year's lineup promises to be another exciting celebration of independent cinema. The festival will open with Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, which has been selected as 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, but 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.

DIFF 2025 also continues its successful collaboration with the Sydney Film Festival, welcoming two acclaimed Australian films and their filmmakers to the lineup: the vibrant queer sci-fi odyssey Lesbian Space Princess and the poetic hybrid documentary The Wolves Always Come at Night, which is Australia's 2025 entry to the Oscars. This cross-border partnership underscores DIFF's role as a hub for artistic exchange.

The festival's programming, curated under the leadership of Bina Paul, reflects a bold and diverse cinematic vision from across the globe, with highlights including a conversation with celebrated Indian filmmaker Kiran Rao, a masterclass with award-winning actor Adil Hussain, and a special presentation by Andrey A. Tarkovsky, the son of legendary Russian director Andrey Tarkovsky.