DIFF 2014 to roll out bouquet of independent films (Curtainraiser)

The third edition of Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF), starting Thursday, will present high quality, independent films along with their filmmakers. Also, the fest will screen "Liar's Dice", India's official entry for the best foreign film category at the 87th Academy Awards and workshops for local filmmakers.

Being organised in the scenic locales of Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, and the four-day event will be a unique experience for the movie aficionados who will be getting to watch and interesting bouquet of contemporary works that includes feature films, documentaries, short films and animation films.

Ritu Sarin, one of the festival's directors, said this season would also host noted names from Indian and international film circuit.

"This year, we have films with strong focus on the Middle East, Tibet and China. We also have strong contingent of first feature films, both from India and abroad," Sarin told IANS.

Some prominent international filmmakers, including exiled Tibetan filmmaker Tenzin Tsetan Choklay, will attend the fest.

Choklay's documentary "Bringing Tibet Home", about contemporary Tibetan artist Tenzin Rigdol's art installation in Dharamshala, will be screened here. Choklay is based out in New York.

Also, Finnish filmmakers - Donagh Donagh Coleman and Lharigtso - will be at DIFF to present their film - "A Gesar Bard's Tale".

Pakistan's first entry to the Oscars in 50 years, "Zinda Bhaag" by Meenu Gaur and Farjad Nabi, will also be screened at the fest.

Another highlight of the fest will be an animation workshop by filmmaker Gitanjali Rao, who will also present her new film, "True Love Story", which was shown at Cannes critics' week.

There will be much more.

Sarin said: "Apart from movie, screening, it is also a platform to promote and encourage local filmmaking talent by organising special screenings, master classes and workshops. We also encourage film lovers and visitors from India and abroad to visit Dharamshala by establishing a world-class film festival and promoting it as a destination for cultural tourism."