PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE / Dehradun
The Dehradun International Film Festival (DIFF) is gearing up for its 11th edition, with film submissions already open and the first few entries trickling in. The festival organiser Himanshu Gupta said that around five to six films have been received so far, from filmmakers in India and abroad. Dates for the event are yet to be locked in and the theme for this year’s edition is still being decided. “However, the venue has been confirmed-a mall in Dehradun, while the categories are feature films, short films, documentaries, music videos and other cinematic formats. Awards will be given in first, second and third places across categories, though there are no cash prices on offer,” Gupta added.
On the guest front, no names have been confirmed yet. Gupta said that they are looking at inviting influencers and other personalities, with announcements expected later. DIFF has come a long way since it was launched in 2015 as the first international film festival in Dehradun. “What started as a modest platform for local talent has grown into one of the more recognised film events in North India, drawing filmmakers, industry professionals and cinema enthusiasts from across the country and overseas each year,” Gupta added.
Notably, filmmaker Subhash Ghai inaugurated the 3rd edition in 2017, lending the event early credibility. Actors such as Prem Chopra, Divya Dutta and Pravin Dabas attended the past editions.
