International art and culture is going to grace the misty mountains of McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala for 4 days starting from October 24 this week. The Dharamsala International Film Festival that started only last year will be held for the second time at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. Some great films and art are on offer for anyone living or visiting Dharamsala this week.

Dharamsala International Film Festival was conceived by filmmaker couple Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam last year in 2012. This year, the second installment of this art and culture event will take place in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala from October 24 to October 27.

This event is a brilliant initiative to bring independent cinema to this small town of Himachal and promote contemporary art. This year 30 films will be screened from all around the world. These films will include documentaries, short films, experimental films and purely fictional works.

Dharamsala is a unique location to hold such a festival as it contains an eclectic mix of people from all over the world. Ironically this truly international town has no cinema of its own. The screenings will therefore be held in the auditorium of the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) and also in smaller venues of the Club House and the Tibetan Day School.

The four day festival will start with the screening of the much renowned fictional short film, “The Lunchbox” starring Irfan Khan. Other notable films include, “Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer”, Sundance award winning “Lasting” and Kate Shortland’s World War II story “Lore”. Indian indie movies such as “Gulabi Gang”, “Jai Bhim Comrade” and “Menstrual Man” will also be part of the festival.

Another great attraction is the rare collection of art films by renowned artists from around the world that will be shown in collaboration with Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary Foundation of Vienna, Austria. This is a wonderful opportunity as these films are hardly ever seen out of the gallery circuit.

Most of the filmmakers will be present at these screenings and will answer questions afterwards that will allow aspiring filmmakers and film lovers to go deeper into the process of creating such art. There will be a masterclass by Indian documentary filmmaker and cinematographer, Avijit Mukul Kishore and panel discussions on different aspects of documentary film making and its

effect on social change. An art exhibition of drawings by Japanese artist Tomoyo Ihaya will also be held at TIPA to offer a different form of art and enhance the cultural experience.

To attend the Dharamsala International Film Festival you can register online on their website, www.DIFF.co.in.

The festival can be attended for free but if you would like to support this wonderful initiative you can go for a Delegate or Special Guest pass which will cost you 1000 and 2000 rupees respectively. The pass will give you access to the best seats and you won’t have to stand in the queue. The money you spend will help ensure that the festival continues for the years to come and continues to enrich the culture of Dharamsala.