DevLok venue to host three-day celebration of cinema, culture, creativity
Munish Sood
MANDI: The Himachal International Film & Art Festival (HIFAF)-2025 is set to open on June 13 at the scenic DevLok campus in 15 Mile, Manali, bringing with it a vibrant confluence of cinema, arts and Himachali heritage.
The festival will run until June 15 and is being organised with the support of the Himachal Pradesh government and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
The event is a carefully curated celebration of local talent and global voices, aiming to place Himachal Pradesh firmly on India’s creative map.
Celebration of identity, expression, exchange
Speaking ahead of the festival, Raja Singh Malhotra, founder of the organising body, said, “This festival is not just about film and art, but is a celebration of Himachal’s soul. It’s an opportunity to bring our rich cultural identity to a wider audience while building bridges with other artistic traditions from around the world.”
Anurag Vashisht, co-founder, said, “We aim to provide a platform where stories rooted in the hills can be seen and heard globally. From folk music and textile art to avant-garde cinema and immersive installations, this event offers a little bit of everything.”
Yoshita Pareek, artistic director of the festival, emphasised that the programming reflects a deliberate effort to combine regional depth with global perspectives, creating a space for “shared learning and creative expression.”
Dynamic programme line-up
The three-day festival will feature:
• International and regional film screenings, including feature films, documentaries and short films focusing on culture, society and identity.
• Theatre performances, folk music showcases and art exhibitions offering audiences a multi-sensory experience rooted in Himachal’s traditions.
• Painting, photography and textile art displays, including live demonstrations by folk artists.
• Interactive workshops and masterclasses covering acting, movement, storytelling, filmmaking and more, designed to nurture young talent and encourage professional development.
Himachal Art Village: Cultural legacy in the making
A standout feature of this year’s festival is the unveiling of the Himachal Art Village, a long-term initiative aimed at creating a permanent cultural centre in the region. The village will provide artist residencies, develop a digital archive of regional art, and offer formal arts education.
Organisers believe this will act as a cornerstone in establishing Himachal as a hub for cultural sustainability and artistic innovation.
The festival’s mission goes beyond celebration; it is a strategic effort to establish Himachal Pradesh as a prominent centre on India’s creative map. Through diverse cultural expressions and international collaboration, the event seeks to strengthen the state’s identity as a vibrant artistic destination.
“Himachal Art Village is our gift to the future, a space where artistes can live, learn and leave their mark,” said Yaanaa Kapoor, creative assistant director of the festival.
Full team behind the festival
The core team driving HIFAF includes:
• Raja Singh Malhotra – Founder
• Anurag Vashisht – Co-Founder
• Yoshita Pareek – Artistic Director
• Yaanaa Kapoor – Creative Assistant Director
• Shreya Sharma – Head, Sales & Admin
• Bipasha Biswas – Social Media Strategist
Each member plays a key role in curating a festival that blends artistic integrity with logistical excellence. With variable weather predicted, attendees should be prepared for hot days with occasional showers, especially on June 13 and 14, while clearer skies are expected on June 15.
The festival is open to filmmakers, artists, students and culture enthusiasts. Participation in workshops and special sessions is limited, and early registration is recommended to ensure access to high-demand programs.
