Lights, Camera, Producer Mode
Kirti Kulhari is officially entering her producer era. Her first feature film, Kinaare (or Shores), is set to make its big debut at the 15th Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF). The film follows Amina, a single woman in a village near Delhi who finds her quiet life turned upside down when her cousin (played by co-director Azam Quadri) shows up unannounced after a 15-year ghosting session. The visit forces her to confront old family drama, but by the end, she finds her peace.
Kulhari says she felt an instant connection to the script, noting it has the same subtle, heartwarming vibes she adores in Iranian cinema. It’s a total W for her new banner, Kintsukuroi Films.
Festival Vibe Check
The festival is going down from Oct. 29–Nov. 1 at the Tibetan Children’s Village in Upper Dharamshala, with an online portion running through Nov. 9. Rima Das, the queen of indie cinema, is opening the fest with her Berlin-awarded film Not a Hero. If you haven't caught it yet, it’s a sweet story about a city kid finding a whole new life (and a horse friend!) in an ancestral village.
The lineup is stacked with other must-watch titles, including Don Palathara’s The Uncertainty Principle and the collaborative documentary Cool Ladies Club. With veterans Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam steering the ship, DIFF remains the main character of independent film festivals in the region.
Why it matters
DIFF is a cornerstone for independent storytelling, and with stars like Kulhari pivoting to production, it’s clear the indie scene is evolving. Plus, seeing fresh, authentic narratives from diverse voices getting global festival recognition? We love to see it.
