According to the organisers, five best films who Take the Spotlight:
- Best Feature Film (International):** *On My Way* directed by Thierry Obadia
- **Best Long Documentary (International):** *The Passion of Mahmoud* by Davoud Abdolmaleki
- **Best Short Film (International):** *The Voice of Dogs* by Mohammad Reza Nazi
- **Best Animation Film:** *The Splint* by Mehdi Sedighi
- **Best Feature Film (National):** *Najuss-An Impure Story* by Sreejith Poyilkavu
The three-day cinematic extravaganza, held from August 16-18, 2024, showcased around 105 films from 27 countries and 22 Indian states.
The event turned the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex into a buzzing hub of cinema lovers, eager to soak in the best of world cinema.
During the closing ceremony, Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Sh. Shiv Pratap Shukla, praised the festival's role in promoting global cinema and cultural exchange.
He remarked, "The International Film Festival of Shimla has truly become a beacon for filmmakers worldwide, providing them a unique platform to share their stories and cultures".
This festival not only enriches our artistic landscape but also strengthens our ties with the global community through the universal language of cinema.
Festival Director Pushp Raj Thakur highlighted the festival's success, which included a mix of international, national, and state-level competitions, curated sessions on various themes, and masterclasses by film industry experts.
The festival, organized by Himalayan Velocity under the aegis of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Department of Language & Culture, Himachal Pradesh, has been a vibrant platform for filmmakers since 2015, celebrating the art of storytelling through diverse lenses.
