KURSEONG, OCT 30: The second edition of the Darjeeling Film Festival commenced today at Kurseong, bringing together filmmakers, actors, film enthusiasts and members of the local community for a celebration of cinema and storytelling.
Organised by the organisation Living the Culture, the three-day festival is being held at the Community Hall, 3rd Mile Busty, and is being organised entirely through community support and crowdfunding, without any government assistance.
The opening day featured screenings of four films, including Crossing Borders, directed by Saurav Rai; Death Certificate, directed by Vivek Rai; the Assamese film Xunyota, directed by Nabapan Deka; and Acharya, directed by Prashant Rasaily.
The inaugural session was attended by filmmaker Shenpen Khymsar, actress Shyama Shree Sherpa, Vikram Rai, Head of the Department of Mass Communication at St. Joseph’s College, along with filmmakers, film enthusiasts and members of the local community.
Speaking on the occasion, Mickma Lepcha, founder of Living the Culture, said the festival aims to create a platform where stories from the hills can be told, shared and experienced through cinema. He emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for local filmmakers and storytellers to bring regional narratives to a wider audience.
Filmmaker Shenpen Khymsar appreciated the initiative, observing that cinema remains one of the most powerful mediums of storytelling. He stressed the need for stories from the region to reach wider audiences through films made by filmmakers from the hills themselves.
Actress Shyama Shree Sherpa lauded the community’s support and collective efforts in making the festival possible, highlighting the importance of public participation in sustaining independent cultural initiatives.
Vikram Rai also appreciated the initiative, stating that such community-driven platforms deserve encouragement and support. He emphasised the importance of nurturing local talent, documenting regional experiences and encouraging young people to explore filmmaking as a medium of creative expression.
The festival reflects a growing spirit of community-led cultural initiatives in the hills, where cinema is being used not merely as entertainment but also as a means of preserving identity, sharing experiences and bringing local stories to the forefront.
The second Darjeeling Film Festival will continue until November 1, offering audiences an opportunity to experience diverse cinematic narratives and engage with filmmakers and creative practitioners.
