Busan Winner 'Birds in the Dark' to Close Dharamshala International Film Festival

Shashank Walia's debut feature "Birds in the Dark" is scheduled to close the 15th Dharamshala International Film Festival with its India premiere. The festival is slated to run from October 29 to November 1 at the Tibetan Children's Village in Upper Dharamshala.

According to the announcement, Walia's film won two prizes at the Busan International Film Festival earlier this month. The festival's lineup also features several other additions, including Mehrdad Oskouei's "A Fox Under a Pink Moon," Paromita Vohra's "Working Girls," Yashasvi Juyal's "The Ink Stained Hand and The Missing Thumb," and Ridham Janve's "Hunter's Moon." The shorts program includes the world premiere of Aastha Tiku's "Dreamboat," alongside works by Arun Fulara and Varun Grover.

Festival Details and Programming

• Dates: October 29 – November 1
• Location: Tibetan Children's Village, Upper Dharamshala
• Opening Film: Rima Das' "Not a Hero"

Bina Paul, the festival's director of programming, stated that the event continues to prioritize distinctive voices and independent cinema. As previously announced, Rima Das' "Not a Hero" will open the festival with its South Asia premiere. Additional screenings include works by Óliver Laxe, Shaunak Sen, Gurvinder Singh, Sara Dosa, Dennis Harvey, Lars Lovén, Tanushree Das, and Saumyananda Sahi.

Community Initiatives and Background

Founded in 2012 by filmmakers Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam, the festival marks its 15th edition this year. Alongside screenings, the event includes the Himalayan Film Fellows initiative, supporting seven filmmakers with mentors including Dechen Roder, Umesh Kulkarni, and Dominic Sangma. In partnership with the Royal Enfield Social Mission, the organization is also conducting 24 community screenings around Kangra.

Readers can verify official announcements and scheduling details directly through the official Dharamshala International Film Festival platforms.