As long-term residents of Dharamshala, Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam became aware of the lack of opportunities and initiatives for and a forum for interaction between local artists and filmmakers in the area. Towards this intent, they founded the Dharamshala International Film Festival in 2012.

Over the years, the festival has become one of India’s prominent film festivals known for its well-curated programme and an avenue for multicultural exchange, creative reflection and discussion. The festival also runs a carefully designed community outreach programme that on the one hand aims at bringing in a diverse local audience to attend the main festival, and on the other hand is interested in taking ideas around cinema, viewing and critical thinking through the arts to the community outside of the main festival.

Check out more film festivals here.