Indian Film ‘Homebound’ Opens Film Fest; Venice Winner Closes

The picturesque Himalayan foothills are once again set to host the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF), an annual celebration of independent cinema. Its 14th edition promises a compelling lineup, highlighted by the opening of Neeraj Ghaywan’s ‘Homebound’, an Indian film gaining traction as an Oscar contender, and the closing of Anuparna Roy’s ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees’, a recent Venice Film Festival winner. From October 30 to November 2, the Tibetan Children’s Village in Upper Dharamshala will become a hub for filmmakers and cinephiles, offering a non-competitive platform for diverse global narratives.

‘Homebound’: An Indian Oscar Contender Opens the Festival

Kicking off the festival is Neeraj Ghaywan’s latest work, ‘Homebound’. Adapted from a 2020 New York Times article by Basharat Peer, the film delves into the lives of two childhood friends from a North Indian village. Their shared ambition to become police officers forms the core of the narrative, with the mounting pressures they face testing the very fabric of their friendship as they strive for respect and opportunity. Having already made its debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, ‘Homebound’ arrives at DIFF as India’s submission for the Oscars, signifying its critical acclaim and potential on the international stage.

‘Songs of Forgotten Trees’: A Venice Prizewinner Concludes DIFF

Bringing the 14th edition of the Dharamshala International Film Festival to a close is Anuparna Roy’s ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees’. This Mumbai-set drama earned significant recognition earlier this year, securing the Horizons award for Best Director at the Venice Film Festival. The film intricately weaves a narrative around a migrant actor and sex worker who sublets her apartment to a call-center employee, exploring the formation of an unexpected and fragile bond between them. Its Venice triumph positions it as a poignant and critically acclaimed work to cap off the festival’s diverse offerings.

A Diverse Cinematic Lineup from Around the Globe

Beyond its opening and closing features, the Dharamshala International Film Festival boasts an eclectic selection of films, showcasing independent voices from various regions:

• DIFF continues its collaboration with the Sydney Film Festival, featuring two Australian films: Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese’s queer sci-fi ‘Lesbian Space Princess’, and Gabrielle Brady’s ‘The Wolves Always Come at Night’, which is Australia’s official Oscar submission.
• Other programming highlights include Bhutan’s Oscar entry ‘I, The Song’ by Dechen Roder, and Rohan Parashuram Kanawade’s ‘Cactus Pears’, a Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner.
• The lineup also includes Rich Peppiatt’s Irish-language film ‘Kneecap’ and Raoul Peck’s thought-provoking documentary ‘Orwell 2+2=5’.
• Further international selections feature Spanish director Carla Simón’s ‘Romeria’, Hlynur Pálmason’s Cannes entry ‘The Love That Remains’, and Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni’s ‘Cutting Through Rocks’.
• Indian and regional cinema are well-represented with Prabhash Chandra’s ‘Alaav’, Kunsang Kyirong’s ‘100 Sunset’, and Tannishtha Chatterjee’s ‘Full Plate’, which premiered at Busan and stars Kirti Kulhari and Sharib Hashmi.

Masterclasses and Special Presentations

The festival is not only a platform for film screenings but also for enriching cinematic discussions and learning. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with acclaimed filmmakers through masterclasses:

• Renowned Indian filmmaker Kiran Rao will conduct a masterclass, sharing insights into her craft and experience.
• Actor Adil Hussain will deliver a masterclass focusing on the authentic portrayal of characters across different cultural contexts, offering valuable perspectives for aspiring actors and enthusiasts.
• A special presentation will feature Andrey A. Tarkovsky, son of the legendary Russian filmmaker Andrey Tarkovsky, who will present the documentary ‘Andrey Tarkovsky: A Cinema Prayer’. This unique event will include rare archival footage and a personal discussion about his father’s profound work and enduring legacy.

The Spirit of DIFF: Nurturing Independent Cinema

Under the stewardship of festival directors Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam, DIFF has cultivated a unique identity. Known for their own compelling chronicles of the Tibetan condition, such as ‘Dreaming Lhasa’ and ‘The Sun Behind the Clouds: Tibet’s Struggle for Freedom’, Sarin and Sonam have fostered a festival that prioritizes dialogue and cinematic exploration over competition. They emphasize that DIFF’s growth over 14 years stems from the passion of filmmakers, the trust of its audiences, and a dedicated community rather than commercial fanfare.

The festival remains deliberately non-competitive, reinforcing its commitment to fostering artistic exchange and appreciation for meaningful cinema. Its ability to bring independent films to a remote mountain location is notably aided by its partnership with tech innovator PictureTime, which provides inflatable digital theaters, making diverse cinematic experiences accessible in the Himalayas.

Conclusion

The 14th Dharamshala International Film Festival is poised to be a significant event for independent cinema, offering a thoughtfully curated selection of films that span diverse themes and geographies. From the anticipated Indian Oscar contender ‘Homebound’ to the Venice-honored ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees’, alongside an array of global features and enriching masterclasses, DIFF continues its tradition of providing a meaningful and engaging cinematic experience in the serene setting of the Himalayas. It stands as a testament to the power of film to connect cultures and inspire dialogue, drawing audiences and filmmakers alike to its unique mountain home.