Check out the 2024 International Film Festival of Shimla: A Journey Through Independent Cinema, Cultural Exchange, and the Majestic Beauty of the Mountains, Showcasing the Power of Storytelling in Film. Utpal Datta writes…

The 2024 International Film Festival of Shimla marked its 10th edition, bringing together filmmakers and cinephiles from across the globe to celebrate independent cinema against the stunning backdrop of Himachal Pradesh's blue mountains. With its unique blend of regional and international films, masterclasses by renowned actors like Seema Biswas, and the historic charm of the Gaiety Theatre, this festival has cemented its place as a significant cultural event in India's cinematic landscape. The festival not only promotes cultural exchange but also provides a platform for emerging filmmakers, making Shimla a must-visit destination for film enthusiasts.

Arrival in Shimla and First Impressions

When we arrived in Shimla at nine o'clock, there wasn't much to see in the city. The next day, I enjoyed the beautiful view of the blue mountains, the charming houses on the hills, and the well-maintained roads. The festival organizers arranged for us to stay in a VIP area of Shimla with limited traffic, so we decided to walk to the Gaiety Theatre.

The Gaiety Theatre: A Historical Gem

The Gaiety Theatre is situated on the slopes of a hill and features colonial architecture. I went up the stairs to the courtyard of the Gaiety Theatre, although one can also reach it with a few more steps along the same road. The building houses two theatres and a conference hall for film screenings. The 2024 edition marks the 10th occurrence of the International Film Festival of Shimla. Despite Himachal Pradesh not being prominent in filmmaking, the challenge of hosting an International Film Festival in such an environment seemed daunting.

The Vision Behind the Festival

When I inquired about the festival's origins at the closing night party of the three-day event, festival director Pushparaj Thakur explained, "We organized the International Film Festival of Shimla to showcase diverse cinematic talents and promote cultural exchange through films. With its picturesque landscape and rich cultural heritage, Shimla provides an ideal backdrop for such an event, attracting filmmakers and audiences worldwide." Thakur further emphasized, "The festival aims to create a platform where filmmakers from different countries can share their stories, traditions, and perspectives, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation. Additionally, it aims to highlight regional cinema of India, especially from Himachal Pradesh, giving local filmmakers a stage to present their work to a global audience. By hosting the festival in Shimla, we also aim to boost tourism in the region, drawing visitors to experience the beauty and culture of the area. Furthermore, the festival seeks to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals, potentially including workshops, panel discussions, and masterclasses to offer aspiring filmmakers and students learning opportunities."

Star Power: Seema Biswas Graces the Festival

Seema Biswas, the famous actor known for her roles in Bandit Queen, Water, and many more, inaugurated the three-day festival on August 16th. She graced the event for all three days, inspiring young filmmakers from Himachal and various parts of India. Her masterclasses on acting received an impressive number of participants, and their enthusiasm was palpable. Seema Biswas's involvement, as expected by Pushparaj Thakur, was one of the significant positive aspects of the festival. 

International Cinema and Independent Filmmakers

The festival showcased films from several foreign countries, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Iran, with filmmakers from these countries presenting their work. Notably, most of these directors were independent filmmakers. Additionally, many directors and filmmakers from different parts of India, mainly young and independent, participated in the festival. The event also marked the first screening of Hamari Ramleela, a film by young Mumbai filmmaker Rinku Sharma. I enjoyed introducing the director and honouring him on behalf of Assam Down Town University, which I represent.

Experiencing the Gaiety Theatre

The festival undoubtedly requires proper facilities for screening highly technical films. Nevertheless, the experience of watching movies in the Gaiety Theatre's Victorian Proscenium Stage was a new and remarkable one. This historic theatre, where Parthajit Baruah’s The Nellie Story and Rajen Das's Iron Girl were screened, left a lasting impression. Iron Girl even received the Special Jury Award in the National Feature Film category. Furthermore, the screening of Fagu Khele Karunamay, a film directed by me and produced by Assam Down Town University, in the main theatre led to an inspiring conversation with the audience.