Persian Film Electron will be the inaugural film of 11th Edition of International film festival of Shimla
The much-awaited 11th Edition of the International Film Festival of Shimla (IFFS) is set to begin with the screening of the Persian film Electron directed by Mehran Ranjbar from Iran as its inaugural film. The festival will run from 5th to 7th September 2025, bringing together filmmakers, artists, and audiences from across the globe.
Renowned producer-writer Chander Prakash Dwivedi and acclaimed actor Chhaya Kadam will grace the festival as celebrity guests, adding to the cultural vibrance and creative spirit of this cinematic celebration.
This year’s festival has drawn a record-breaking participation from 43 countries and 23 Indian states, from around the world presenting their work. Over the course of three days, 163 films will be screened, and their directors will present to interact with audience offering a rich blend of world cinema, regional narratives, and thought-provoking documentaries. This year festival has five venues for screening
Three screens will be in Gaiety Theatre, Shimla and other venue for the screening will be Himachal Pradesh University, Summerhill, Shimla for students and Model Central Jail Kanda and Shimla and Model Central Jail Nahan, Sirmaur and Juvenile Home, Shimla, where special screening will be for inmates. Besides this there will be special screen in one of the Hall in Gaiety Theatre for school children under category BACHPAN and also especially abled children School Dhali, are invited for these screening.
Venue:
The festival is being organized by Himalayan Velocity in collaboration with Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Govt of India, Department of Language & Culture (LAC) Government of Himachal Pradesh has gained immense popularity in the past years.
Festival Director Pushp Raj Thakur said that this year Persian Film Electron will be the inaugural film of 11th Edition of International film festival of Shimla.
This year 43 countries and 23 states are participating in this prestigious cinematic event promises to celebrate the art of storytelling through the lens of diverse cultures and perspectives. In International category filmmakers from China Netherlands, Spain, Lebanon, Australia, Italy, Russia, Republic of Korea, United States of America, Taiwan, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Islamic Republic of Iran
United Kingdom, Canada, Morocco, Georgia, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Cuba, Bangladesh, Poland, Switzerland, Finland, Portugal, Ukraine, Nepal, Tunisia, Ghana, West Africa, Senegal, West Africa, Togo, Guinea-Bissau, Latvia- Northern Europe, Greece, Mali, Palestine, West Africa, Thailand, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Southeast Europe, Croatia
Hungary, Cyprus, New Zealand, Turkey.
While Indian Filmmakers from state like Maharashtra, Haryana, Assam, West Bengal, Telangana, Odisha, Gujarat, Delhi Manipur, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh are participating.
This festival will be featuring competitions in International, National and State Category. There will also be specially curated sessions focusing on issues, themes, countries and the works of filmmakers. The program will also include screening of films, Seminar /Workshop Sessions with experts from Film Institutes, film critic and film Industries 60 Independent directors whose films will be screened in the festival will also grace the three-day long festival.
The International Film Festival of Shimla has consistently evolved as a unique cultural platform, bridging cinematic traditions from across the world while also showcasing the diverse voices of Indian filmmakers. With its inclusive venues—from historic theatres to educational institutions and correctional facilities—the festival reinforces its commitment to making cinema accessible to all sections of society.
