Lights, camera, Kullu: Himachal International Film Festival returns for 2nd edition

The Himachal International Film and Art Festival (HIFAF), organised by the Soch Foundation, is set for its second edition from June 13 to 15 at Devlok, 15 Miles, Kullu. Founders Raja Singh Malhotra and Anurag Vashisht announced the event, promising a vibrant celebration of cinema, creativity, and community.

This year’s edition will feature over 50 films, many of which are rarely seen on mainstream platforms. Highlights include A Fly on the Wall by Sonali Bose, Second Chance by Subhadra Mahajan, Delhi Daak by Diwakar Das Roy, and Bunnyhood by Mansi Maheshwari. Screenings will run daily from 11 am to 6 pm.

Passes are available through Crewbella Ecosystem Pvt. Ltd. The “Friends of HIFAF” pass costs Rs 12,500 (plus taxes) and grants all-access, including three RSVP workshops. The Season Pass is Rs 2,500, and a Daily Pass is Rs 1,500 — both excluding workshops. Students receive a 50% discount.

Expanding into art education, the festival will engage over 600 school students in workshops on acting, dance, fashion, theatre, and art. Special filmmaking workshops will teach children mobile filmmaking, storytelling, and camera techniques, with mentorship from the National School of Drama (NSD) team.

Live music performances will add a festive rhythm, with indie artists like Bharat Chauhan, Osho Jain, Salman Elahi, Vismay Patel and Dream Not Band taking the stage.

Adding to the star power, renowned personalities such as Adil Hussain, Raghuvir Yadav, Pratibha Ranta, Deepti Naval, Ketan Mehta, Anand Patwardhan, and others will be present to inspire and interact with audiences.