This year, the programme will focus specifically on filmmakers from Himachal Pradesh.

The Dharamshala International Film Festival is announces the DIFF Film Fellows Programme 2018. The Film Fellows initiative, which saw its inception in 2014, aims to encourage and develop filmmaking talent in the Indian Himalayan regions by offering mentorship opportunities with established filmmakers. This year, the programme will focus specifically on filmmakers from Himachal Pradesh. The programme will provide a much-needed opportunity to budding filmmakers from Himachal Pradesh who would otherwise have limited or no access to these resources. Five young filmmakers from the HP region will be selected and invited to attend DIFF, participate in its various events, and benefit from one-on-one mentorship sessions with established filmmakers.
Previous DIFF Film Fellows have come from across the Himalayan region, from Ladakh all the way to Arunachal Pradesh, and are now engaged in various stages of their filmmaking career. Siddharth Chauhan, last year’s film fellow from Himachal Pradesh, and the director of Pashi (2017) says: “DIFF Film Fellows Programme was a break I desperately needed in my life and career. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, young people and the amazing two mentors (filmmakers Gurvinder Singh and Kesang Tseten) I got to learn and unlearn so many facets of filmmaking.” The deadline for applying to this programme is 24 September 2018. Applicants must be between 18-45 years of age and hold bonafide Himachali certificates. A jury made up of eminent filmmakers will review all applicants and the final selection of the five fellows will be announced by 1st October 2018. For details of the application process please go to http://diff.co.in/diff-film-fellows/