The Himalayan Film Festival (THFF) is all set to unveil its 2nd edition, once again bringing the magic of Indian cinema beyond the mainstream, to the landscapes of the Himalayas. The festival is scheduled to take place from September 29 to October 3, 2023.

Organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) of the Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh, in collaboration with Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh,  THFF is poised to showcase a diverse array of cinema, ranging from mainstream gems to compelling documentaries, and captivating short films. 

The festival presents an exciting lineup of events that not only captivate audiences but also engage and empower filmmakers. The festival's offerings include the Screenwriters Lab, Short Film Competition, Photography Workshop, and Masterclasses, curated by esteemed professionals from the Indian film industry, apart from the array of films that the festival will showcase over the five-day duration.

Padma Angmo, Commissioner/Secretary, Information, Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh talking about the second edition of The Himalayan Film Festival said, “We received a great response during the first edition of The Himalayan Film Festival in 2021. The primary aim of organizing the festival is to provide a platform for local Ladakhi filmmakers to showcase their films, encourage local talent, build their capacity, and connect them to experts and the market. It is a small community, but one that is very active and very creative. We hope that they will benefit from the opportunity to network with established filmmakers from other parts of the country. We hope that filmmakers from across the country, and the world, see Ladakh as a filmmaking destination, and utilise local talent in their filmmaking endeavors.”

Activities at The Himalayan Film Festival 2023:

Photography Workshop with Achal Mishra:

For amateur photographers from Ladakh keen to hone their skills, The Himalayan Film Festival is hosting an exclusive photography workshop led by renowned photographer and filmmaker, Achal Mishra. Hailing from the city of Darbhanga in Bihar, Achal’s debut feature film Gamak Ghar premiered at the Mumbai Film Festival, and was awarded the Manish Acharya Award for New Voices in Indian Cinema.  This one-day, hands-on workshop is designed to elevate one's photography skills amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh. As part of the interactive session, Achal will also display some of his own work to illustrate different aspects of the craft, including the editing and sequencing process.

Short Film Competition:

THFF invited filmmakers across the 12 Himalayan States/UTs of India who find inspiration in the rugged beauty and majestic allure of the mountains to participate in their Short Film Competition. The competition this year is themed 'The Mountains Are Calling,' and offers a stage for budding filmmakers to showcase their craft and learn from some of the best in the industry. A distinguished jury will select the top 15 films for screening. The three best films will receive a generous cash prize at the closing ceremony of the film festival.

Film Screenings:
True to its commitment, THFF showcases an exceptional selection of films from across India, with a special emphasis on content from Ladakh in particular and the Himalayan states in general. The festival boasts an exciting film lineup that includes acclaimed titles like ‘Haqeeqat’ which was filmed in Ladakh, ‘Jubilee,’ ‘Tora's Husband,’ ‘Spawo (Warrior)’, ‘Ama (Mother)’, ‘Jungwa: The Broken Balance’,  ‘Lunana: A Yak In the Classroom,’ ‘Por Thozhil,’ ‘Sunpat,’ the evergreen ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’ among others, promising a cinematic journey that spans emotions, narratives, and cultures.

The Screenwriters Lab:

The Screenwriters Lab, an initiative tailored to empower and amplify the voices of budding Ladakhi filmmakers, is set to provide an immersive experience that nurtures talent and encourages the exploration of innovative storytelling. Through intensive mentoring sessions led by Satyanshu Singh, participants will have the privilege to refine their craft under the guidance of a National Award-winning filmmaker, writer, and esteemed professor of cinema. Satyanshu Singh, known for his exceptional contributions to the world of cinema, brings his expertise to the table. His directorial debut short, "Tamaash," and his debut feature, "Chintu Ka Birthday," have not only garnered critical acclaim but also earned prestigious awards. With a rich background as a script consultant for prominent OTT platform SonyLIV, Satyanshu's debut web series, "Jehanabad," continues to captivate audiences. Selected participants will have the opportunity to pitch their projects to executives from major OTT platforms who will be present at the festival. This is a great opportunity for budding talent from Ladakh to shape their dreams.

Renowned filmmakers, industry experts, and luminaries are all set to grace the event. Amit Sharma, Rima Das, and Dominic Megam Sangma lead the esteemed jury for the short film competition, adding a layer of expertise to the evaluation process. The festival will also welcome the presence of distinguished filmmakers and actors like Janhvi Kapoor, Kenny Deori Basumatary and Vikramaditya Motwane, among others who will share their insights and experiences through masterclasses and various other discussions.