Review: DHARAMSHALA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (DIFF) concluded with the screening of Hamid

As a number of international film festivals dot the landscape of emerging Indian cinema, it gives both audiences as well as actors to explore and respond to many different mediums of performing arts.

Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF), now in its 7th edition has been bringing in the attention not just to some off-beat cinematic treats but also to the silent beauty of this little hill station in India.

The 2018 edition of the festival began on a great note with the screening of Namdev Bhau: In Search Of Silence which was presented by its director Dar Ga. Actor Manoj Bajpayee was present for the opening ceremony. The festival concluded on Sunday with the screening of critically-acclaimed Hamid. Featuring actors like Rasika Duggal and Sumit Kaul, the film that revolves around a young eight-year-old boy who lost his dad in Kashmir violence did leave the audience very emotional and teary eyed.

The four-day-long film festival that was organized by film makers Tenzing Sonam and Ritu Sarin also organized many other important events on the bylines of featuring many thought provoking films from parallel cinema. One of the well-attended events was a special session on sexual harassment even as the #metoo movement in India continued to take steam.

A new addition to the festival was the introduction of the Dharamshala PJLF Editing Workshop 2018 to help independent film makers gain a platform. The serene environs of Tibetan Children's Village came alive with some of the most spell-binding performances and discussions that portrayed the mood of the moment.