8th edition of Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) announces its full line-up

The Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) will be held from 7 to 10 November 2019 in the beautiful mountain town of McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the meeting point of a rich and cosmopolitan mix of people and cultures. The eighth edition of DIFF will continue to pursue the hallmarks that have given the festival the reputation of being an intimate and carefully curated festival in the Himalayas that showcases an eclectic mix of the best of independent features, documentaries, shorts and animation films from India and around the world.

Besides the curated selection, this year, for the first time, DIFF opened up to submissions via FilmFreeway and there were numerous excellent entries! This contributed to the further diversification of our line-up this year.

Opening and Closing Films

Eeb Allay Ooo! by Prateek Vats will open the 8th edition of Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) 2019. Gitanjali Rao’s feature animation, Bombay Rose, will close the festival. Directors Prateek Vats and Gitanjali Rao will be present.

Celebrities and Filmmakers attending

Adil Hussain will be attending the festival and conducting an Acting Workshop.

Indian feature film directors Ekta Mittal, Gurvinder Singh, Kislay,  Lijo Jose Pellissery, Priya Sen, R.V. Ramani, and Vinod Kamble will be present.

International filmmakers attending the festival include:

Jesse Alk (USA), Kazuhiro Soda (Japan), Samuel Weniger (Switzerland).

Complete Line-Up

The DIFF 2019 lineup includes Indian fiction and documentary features: About Love (dir. Archana Phadke), Aise Hee (dir. Kislay), Birha (dir. Ekta Mittal), Bombay Rose (dir. Gitanjali Rao), Web Allay Ooo! (dir. Prateek Vats), Jallikattu (dir. Lijo Jose Pellissery), Khanaur (Bitter Chestnut), (dir. Gurvinder Singh), Oh, That’s Bhanu (dir. R.V. Ramani) and Yeh Freedom Life (dir. Priya Sen).

The international fiction and documentary features include: Another Day Of Life (dir. Raúl de la Fuente, Damian Nenow, Poland/Spain), For Sama (dir. Edward Watts, Waad Al-Khateab, UK), God Exists, Her Name is Petrunya (dir. Teona Strugar Mitevska, Macedonia/ France/ Belgium), Golden Age (dir. Beat Oswald, Samuel Weniger, Switzerland), Heimat is a Space in Time (dir. Thomas Heise, Germany), Inland Sea (dir. Kazuhiro Soda, Japan), Last Night I Saw You Smiling (dir. Kavich Neang, Cambodia), Mafak (dir. Bassam Jarbawi, Palestine/ USA/ Qatar), Pariah Dog (dir. Jesse Alk, USA), Song Without a Name (dir. Melina León, Peru/Spain/USA), Tehran: City of Love (dir. Ali Jaberansari, Iran/UK/Netherlands), The Best Thing You Can Do With Your Life (dir. Zita Erffa, Germany), The Dalai Lama – Scientist (dir. Dawn Gifford Engle, USA), Varda by Agnés (dir. Agnés Varda, France) and Vitalina Varela (dir. Pedro Costa, Portugal).

Shorts at DIFF

DIFF has always recognized the importance of short films as a category in its own right. Our program this year includes a rich selection of both fiction and documentary shorts. Short Films include: A Million Years (dir. Danech San, Cambodia), Bebaak (dir. Shazia Iqbal), Brother, Move On (dir. Antshi von Moos, Switzerland), The Booth (dir. Rohin Raveendran), The Little Goddess (dir. Gauri Adelkar), The Horns Of Kolkata (dir. Andrew Scott, New Zealand) Jamnapaar (dir. Abhinava Bhattacharyya), Kamali (dir. Sasha Rainbow, United Kingdom), Kandurwan – Baking History (dir. Mehvish Rather), Knock Knock Knock (dir. Sudhanshu Saria), Light a Candle (dir. Tenzin Kalden), Look at The Sky (dir. Ashok Veilou), Nemesis (dir. Behzad Jafarimazhab Haghighi, Iran), Nooreh (dir. Ashish Pandey), Pema (dir. Sonam Tseten), Sekool (dir. Stenzin Tankong), Student Bodies (dir. Ho Rui An, Singapore), Teesri Khwaish (dir. Purandhya Sharma), The Traffic Separating Device (dir. Johan Palmgren, Sweden), The Timekeeper (dir. Sohil Vaidya) and U for Usha (dir. Rohan Parashuram Kanawade).

In a separate category, DIFF is partnering again with Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films to present a package of short films – Chintu (dir. Anubhav Anand), Everything is Fine (dir. Mansi Jain), Gadhedo (dir. Jai Sharma), Laddoo (dir. Sameer Sadhwani, Kishore Sadhwani), Maa Tuki (dir. Suchana Saha) and Rogan Josh (dir. Sanjeev Vig).

DIFF Children’s Film Programme

The popular DIFF Children’s Film Programme will continue with a line-up that includes feature film Kastoori (dir. Vinod Kamble, India) and three shorts, The Award (dir. Lidija Mojsovska, Macedonia), School Trip (dir. Salvatore Allocca, Italy), and Chicken at Swami’s Kitchen (dir. Sachin Balachandran, India)

Filmmaking Masterclasses

DIFF’s workshops and masterclasses offer a space to delve into the realm of filmmaking. This year, internationally acclaimed actor Adil Hussain conducts an acting workshop. Swiss filmmaker Samuel Weniger, co-director and cinematographer of Golden Age, explores the creative possibilities of images in documentaries and essay films on the basis of concrete examples from his film. Kazuhiro Soda, director of Inland Sea – Observational Film #7, will enlighten audiences on his unique approach to observational documentary filmmaking.

Spotlight on Himachal
Gurvinder Singh’s latest feature fiction Khanaur (Bitter Chestnut) offers this year’s Spotlight on Himachal. Talking about this year’s line-up at DIFF, Festival Director Ritu Sarin said, “Every year, we try and stay true to the same principles that we set out for DIFF when we started the festival eight years ago: to select films that combine a deeply personal vision with themes that resonate with our times. This year is no different, and hopefully, our line-up, which has been carefully and painstakingly curated, will showcase some of the incredible diversity of filmmaking talent on offer in the world today.” She adds: “DIFF is also a place where filmmakers and film lovers can interact in an informal yet engaging way, and with our move back to the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts this year, where all of DIFF’s screenings and events will be contained within close distance of each other, we hope to create an even more intimate space for such exchanges.”

With an exciting line-up of films and events, DIFF 2019 promises to provide another unique, captivating cinematic experience against the backdrop of the dramatic Dhauladhar range.

The eighth edition of the Dharamshala International Film Festival will be held in McLeod Ganj from 7 to 10 November. Filmmakers Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam, who are long-term residents of Dharamshala, initiated the festival in 2012, with the aim of bringing high-quality independent cinema to the mountains, encouraging local filmmaking talent, and creating a meaningful platform to engage the area’s diverse communities. For more information, log on to http://www.diff.co.in.

DIFF is presented by White Crane Arts & Media, a trust founded by filmmakers Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam to promote contemporary cinema, art and independent media practices in the Himalayan regions of India.

The first edition of DIFF was held in 2012. Since then, it has established itself as one of India’s leading independent film festivals. DIFF’s cutting-edge and eclectic programming – which includes many India premieres – and its policy of inviting as many directors as possible has made it one of the go-to events in any cinephile’s calendar. Last year, the films and side programs at DIFF attracted a viewership of around 7000, of which at least 60% were from out of town from places as far away as Kerala, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Some of India’s best-known film critics and journalists from leading media houses were on hand to cover the event.

This year, the festival bids farewell to the Tibetan Children’s Village, which hosted DIFF for the past three years. The festival moves back to the location which hosted the first editions of DIFF, the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. This location is within walking distance from the center of McLeod Ganj and hosts all three of the screening venues next to each other.

Explore incredible India with Hello Travel

·         Helo inspires users to share travel moments, garnering 200 million impressions right after launch
·         Up to 1000 creators stand a chance to win exciting prizes from Oct 2019 to Jan 2020
\Helo, the leading social media platform, launched an original three-month long travel campaign Helo Travel across India. With a deep rooted commitment to India’s culture and communities, the on-going campaign encourages millions of users across 9 regional language communities to “Say Helo to India“. Helo Travel brings India’s rich socio-cultural heritage to its 50 million monthly active users!  

Indians are keen on exploring India like never before and Helo Travel, a one-of-its-kind campaign is inspired by the current travel trends in the country. 90 percent travellers in India are Indians and are touted as the most digitally advanced, when it comes to using digital tools to gather information, plan and book holidays*.  
“The objective of this campaign is to increase accessibility to regional destination insights and narrow the digital divide, by bridging the information gap and enable the users to communicate in their mother tongue. Expanding on travel trends, while staying true to our commitment towards the cultural and traditional diversity of the nation, Helo launched this original travel campaign. We are confident that Helo Travel will further build on the user-connect and bring local communities closer to each other.” said Raj Mishra, Head of Creator Strategy and Growth, Helo. 
Travel topic is a popular theme among Helo communities.All users can participate by tagging #HeloTravel, #HeloRajasthan, #HeloKarnataka, #HeloMaharashtra, #HeloUttarPradesh, #HeloKerala, #HeloGujarat or #HeloDelhi. The campaign is slated to last till January 16th 2020. Up to 1000 participants to win GoPro, along with the announcement of 10 Helo Travel ambassadors, who will be awarded luxury travel packages.
Helo brings everyone together, allowing people to connect with the wider community by creating and sharing content in their own native language. All regional speakers of Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Malayalam, Kannada, Gujarati, Punjabi and Bengali are welcome to participate. 
*As per reports published by World Travel and Tourism Council & IBEF

5 November 2019, New Delhi – Shangri-La’s – Eros Hotel, New Delhi, would like you to enjoy the yuletide spirit with their special offerings this festive season. Nestled conveniently in the heart of the city, the hotel provides a myriad of celebratory offerings, including an array of exquisite dining experiences, a tailor-made stay and party packages in an enchanting atmosphere with cheerful rhythms, tree lighting and more.

CHRISTMAS

Santa’s Chalet at Mister Chai

Mister Chai opens up Santa’s lair with innovative and tempting Christmas treats such as plum pudding, stollen and mince pies. You can also select the most exciting Christmas gifts for your loved ones from a range of delectable hampers, filled with classic Christmas favorites like a gingerbread house, chocolate Santa, cookies, plum pudding and more.

From 7 December onwards

Dining Experiences 

Christmas Eve dinner, 24 December 2019

Tamra, the multi-cuisine restaurant, is offering a Christmas feast to remember. Come and enjoy a traditional mix of British delicacies, Scottish grills, as well as favorites from Southeast Asia and the Northwest frontiers.

INR 3,295 plus taxes per person

7 to 11:30 p.m.

Christmas Brunch, 25 December 2019

Create memories with family and friends while enjoying the city’s favorite Christmas brunch at Tamra, the popular, multi-cuisine restaurant.  The traditional Christmas spread will include roasted turkey, suckling pig, and a variety of fresh seafood.  There is also Chef Nisa’s signature buffet spread, with a selection of Southeast Asian dishes, a Teppanyaki grill, as well as sushi and sashimi.  Macanese is a specialty, and there will be a special Christmas pudding, stollen cake and other delectable Christmas goodies at the dessert counter as well. Over and above the festive food fare, there will be Christmas carols and a designated play area for kids, making for a perfect Christmas celebration.

Experience starting at INR 3,295 plus taxes per person

Time: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Christmas stay package 

Stay on Christmas Eve to relish a Christmas-themed dinner buffet at Tamra and wake up to Tamra’s elaborate breakfast buffet.

Starts at INR 12,999 plus taxes per couple

NEW YEAR – Head into 2020 with heart-warming moments!

Dining and Party Experiences 

Grappa, 31 December 2019

Enter the New Year in style with an exciting evening of a mash-up of various DJs and live performances, while enjoying a perfect combination of Italian and Asian tapas at the city’s favorite bar, Grappa.

INR 18,000 plus taxes per couple

Time: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Sorrento, 31 December 2019

Guests will be able to experience festive celebrations from the southwest coast of Italy as the team at Sorrento has planned a holiday menu specially designed for New Year’s Eve, with pass-around artisanal pasta, pizzas and risotto, as well as a pre-plated main meal, and more.

Experience starting at INR 7,500 plus taxes per person

Time: 7 p.m. to midnight

Shang Palace, 31 December 2019

A delightfully festive set menu at Shang Palace captures the culinary and cultural odyssey that flourishes on the streets of China. Experience authentic Chinese dishes that have been carefully curated with a mélange of three cuisines from the Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, and also traditional Cantonese dishes, prepared by our expert Chinese chefs.

Experience starting at INR 7,500 plus taxes per person

Time: 7 p.m. to midnight

You can also book a private dining room for a group of a minimum of six people starting at INR 50,000 plus taxes.

Tamra, 31 December 2019 

Enjoy a global buffet with a selection of European, Japanese, Indian, Southeast Asian and Mediterranean cuisine. Experience the world with the Teppanyaki grills of the Far East, to the tandoors of Central Asia, and the largest selection of signature cocktails and premium spirits.  The world literally comes to your table to offer you a glimpse of the most popular and trending cuisine in India right now. Tamra’s open-theatre stations serve Asian, Indian and regional foods, as well as Japanese food and a Teppanyaki grill. There is also home-made gelato and a dessert bar, cold cuts, cheeses, bread, and a salad bar.

Experience starting at INR 7,000 plus taxes per person

Time: 8 p.m. to midnight

Stay Experience

Choose your New Year’s Eve experience by staying overnight and waking up to Tamra’s elaborate breakfast buffet on 1 January 2020.

Experience starting at 26,000 plus taxes per couple

Let’s Do Brunch, 1 January 2020

On New Year’s Day, wake up to a luxurious brunch at the hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant, Tamra. The experienced and passionate chefs’ at Tamra dishes out an elaborate buffet offering of authentic South East Asian cuisine as well as Japanese, Indian and European fare from its five interactive cooking theatres a perfect way to celebrate the first day of 2020.

Experience starting at INR 3,295 plus taxes per person

Time: 1 pm – 4 pm

SriLankan Airlines, the National Carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the Oneworld alliance, coinciding with the second anniversary of its operations to Melbourne, successfully concluded SriLankan Airlines Half Marathon event at the Melbourne Marathon Festival for the third consecutive year.
The 2019 event in its 42 year-long Festival history attracted a total of 37,185 athletes for five events, making it Australia’s largest-ever Marathon, with SriLankan Airlines Half Marathon event recording a sellout.
Thomas Do Canto from Australia, who recorded a time of 01:04:2 and Makda Haji Harun with a time of  01:11:15 emerged winners of the male and female categories of the Half Marathon respectively.
Nic Harman (01:04:31)  and Brady Threlfall (01:06:16) became the first and the second runner up of the male category, whilst Tara Palm  (01:11:27) and Lauren Reid (01:12:38) emerged second and third in the female category of the Half Marathon.
An overwhelming number of spectators were present to support participants as they ran past some of Melbourne’s famous landmarks including Flinders Street Station, Albert Park Lake, St Kilda Beach, the Shrine of Remembrance and the Royal Botanic Gardens before finishing with a lap of the iconic MCG.
SriLankan Airlines, the title sponsor of the Half Marathon event, celebrates two years of direct daily services between Melbourne and Colombo. The Airline offers modern comforts onboard its state-of-the-art Airbus 330-300, allowing passengers modern comforts, latest entertainment, and connectivity features amidst the inherent Sri Lankan warmth and hospitality.

A special red-carpet welcome was curated for Dr. Merkel’s arrival at Taj Mahal, New Delhi. Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO – IHCL, warmly welcomed Dr. Merkel with a beautiful bouquet of tulips. Mr. Chhatwal’s prowess in German was indeed delightful as he spoke to Dr. Merkel during her visit.  She delivered a very inspiring address to an audience of over 350 guests who had gathered for this special AGM. Mr. Puneet Chhatwal is a member of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce.

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Jennifer Lopez wore Harry Winston jewelry set in Platinum to “The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 11^th Annual Governors Awards” in Los Angeles on October 27^th.

Jennifer Lopez Wears Harry Winston Jewelry Set in Platinum

• Secret Combination two-row diamond necklace (29.92 carats), set in platinum
• Secret Combination hoop earrings with diamonds (18.30 carats), set in platinum
• Pirouette ring with diamonds (2.89 carats), set in platinum
• River ring with diamonds (2.58 carats), set in platinum
• Sparkling Cluster ring with diamonds (2.33 carats), set in platinum

Jennifer Lopez also wore Harry Winston jewelry set in platinum to the CFDA Fashion Awards in June 2019.

Harry Winston Jewelry Set in Platinum

Trend Alert: Statement earrings set in platinum are currently popular on the red carpet, as recently seen on Angelina Jolie at the European premiere of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (9^th October’19), and Nicole Kidman at the Gala for the Global Ocean (26^th September’19).
Rare and precious, platinum jewelry is truly a perennial red-carpet favorite. All over the world, designers prefer precious platinum to create masterpieces because of its versatility, and because it is the most secure setting for any precious gemstone. Platinum is one of the rarest metals & always stands out making a distinctive style statement. Celebrities worldwide have been donning exquisite platinum designs for star-studded events, red carpet and other appearances to capture their most glamorous and memorable moments.