What’s the best time to visit Dharamshala?
I’d say all through the year.
But if you ask me to pick my favourite time of the year, then it has to be autumn. October – November is when Dharamshala is at its picturesque best; the town is buzzing but not as crowded as in the summers. The weather’s perfect; days are pleasant and the nights – a bit chilly, giving everyone and particularly the tourists from the temperate parts of our country a chance to wear their jackets and the light woolens.
It’s also the time when the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) comes calling. An annual affair since 2012, DIFF is an amazing opportunity to gain exposure to independent films. It’s also a place where you get to meet and know people you wouldn’t have otherwise had the chance to interact with.
With its massive outreach, the film festival has put our town on the creative map. In fact, even within India people are pretty confused about Uttarakhand and Himachal. And though places like Shimla and Manali are quite well known but Dharamshala not so much. It’s due to events such as DIFF and international cricket matches that Dharamshala is getting more noticed.
Volunteering @DIFF
Not much of a film buff, and not by a long shot, I got into volunteering at DIFF just by chance. In a small town like Dharamshala everyone knows everyone else, quite literally. A couple of years ago Ritu and Tenzin, founder and festival director of DIFF, were looking for community partners to help them with the festival. That’s when we chanced upon each other. I vividly remember our first meeting, with Ritu sharing her ideas, which got us all excited.
Organising a film festival that too an international one, as you’d probably expect, is a lot of work. Volunteers are the backbone of such events. Also, considering that finding sponsors for a film festival into alternate and independent cinema is tough and this makes the role of volunteers all the more critical.
The festival is a huge event for the local community and in a way the entire town comes together to make DIFF a success. As a localite it made sense for me to pitch in whichever way I could. A few of our team members at Development Logics have been volunteering since 2012, but 2016 was when I volunteered for the first time and then again this year.
I was involved in operational aspects of the festival such as orienting volunteers, overseeing logistics and co-ordinating with between teams.
DIFF 2018
Attending DIFF has always been a great experience, and this year was no different. Despite the harsh weather, the turnout was very good and we also received good support from sponsors. Several celebrities were part of the festival this year. The ones I must mention is Manoj Bajpayee, who is one of my favourite actor.
Manoj Bajpayee is a Bollywood actor known for his powerful acting and unconventional roles. He came across be a very approachable and down to earth person no airs. Also, DIFF being a festival of independent cinema the entire atmosphere is quite different. It’s all about watching good films, participating in discussions and masterclasses, and importantly having a good time. It doesn’t have any of the red carpet glitz and glamour.
My favourite movies this year
This year I managed to catch up on a couple of films. One was the movie Pashi by Siddharth Chauhan. Another was Hamid by Aijaz Khan starring Rasika Dugal, Vikas Kumar and Talha Arshad Reshi in major roles.
I particularly enjoyed Hamid and would recommend everyone to watch this sensitive movie. The movie is about an unlikely friendship between a CRPF jawan and a Kashmiri boy trying to cope with his father’s death.
All in all
This year was DIFF’s 7th edition. Over the past years it has become one of India’s leading independent film festivals and draws audiences from across the world. The event also offers an unique opportunity for people to volunteer and be a part of the amazing experience. The event receives volunteers from across India and some from abroad as well.
I can vouch for the fact that of all the things required to run a successful film festival the most important are dedicated volunteers. And volunteering is not all work and gruelling schedules. It’s incredibly rewarding. It’s also a lot of fun.
You get to meet interesting people, the chance to network with professional filmmakers and media practitioners – especially relevant for those interested in getting into the creative arts, and pick up some important skills along the way. Ofcourse you also get to watch some great movies, attend workshops, spot celebs and stars.
And if you decide to volunteer for the Dharamshala Film Festival, you could also go trekking in the Dhauladhar ranges, do some adventure sports or get acquainted with Tibetan culture.
You will love the overall experience and for sure will return the next year!
I would love to hear your views. Please feel free to share your comments below.