163 films, 43 nations, one stage: Shimla’s global cinema fest begins Sept 5

Shimla is set to turn into a melting pot of cinematic brilliance as the 11th International Film Festival of Shimla (IFFS) lights up the city from September 5 to 7. This year’s edition promises to be the grandest yet, bringing together filmmakers from 43 countries and 23 Indian states, all ready to share their stories with the world.

The festival will open with the screening of Electron, a Persian film directed by Mehran Ranjbar of Iran, setting the tone for three days of cultural exchange and cinematic celebration. Adding star power to the event, renowned producer-writer Chander Prakash Dwivedi and acclaimed actor Chhaya Kadam will join as celebrity guests, lending both prestige and charm.

In a bid to make cinema accessible to all, screenings will be spread across five venues: the historic Gaiety Theatre, Shimla (with three dedicated screens), Himachal Pradesh University (Summerhill) for students, Model Central Jail Kanda and Nahan as well as the Juvenile Home, Shimla, for inmates and a special hall at Gaiety Theatre under the Bachpan category for schoolchildren and differently-abled students of Dhali School.

Festival Director Pushp Raj Thakur revealed that this year marks a record-breaking participation, with 163 films lined up. These span across genres — world cinema, regional gems and powerful documentaries — with directors personally engaging audiences in discussions and workshops.

The International category boasts entries from across the globe — including China, Spain, Italy, Korea, USA, Mexico, UK, Canada, Iran, Venezuela, Greece, New Zealand, Turkey and many more. On the home front, filmmakers from Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, HP and other states will showcase the diversity of Indian storytelling.

The festival will feature competitions at international, national, and state levels, alongside seminars, curated sessions, and workshops with critics, film institutes, and industry experts. Around 60 independent directors will also be present, turning Shimla into a hub of creative conversations and cinematic discovery.

With its blend of star power, inclusivity, and global narratives, IFFS 2025 is poised to be a truly immersive cultural experience.