Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the festival's role in cultural exchange through cinema.
The festival, director Pushp Raj Thakur said features films from 20 countries, including the United States, Belgium, Iran, and Canada. Additionally, 62 national and 5 state films are part of the lineup. The festival's venues include Gaiety Theatre, Model Central Jail Kanda, and Institute for Children with Special Abilities Dhalli.
The inaugural film, a Persian short film from Afghanistan, explores a migrant couple's harrowing journey to Europe.
The participants can look forward to Q&A sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities during the festival, which aims to celebrate filmmaking and cultural exchange.
The International Film Festival of Shimla is organized annually by Himalayan Velocity in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Language Art and Culture Department of the Government of Himachal Pradesh, promoting independent filmmakers and cultural inclusiveness through film.
