Shimla has turned into a hub for cinema as the 12th International Film Festival of Shimla (IFFS) opened at the historic Gaiety Theatre. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri inaugurated the festival, which celebrates both Indian and international cinema.
The opening event brought well-known faces from the film industry to the hill city. Renowned actors Manoj Joshi and Sharib Hashmi were present at the inaugural ceremony and took part in special sessions with the audience.
Manoj Joshi Shares His Cinema Journey at Shimla Film Festival
Manoj Joshi spoke about his long journey in Indian cinema. He discussed acting and the craft of performance, giving the audience a close look at what goes into the art of film acting.
His session gave young filmmakers, students and cinema lovers a chance to engage directly with the veteran actor. It was an open exchange between an experienced performer and a new generation of cinema enthusiasts.
Sharib Hashmi on Films, Digital Entertainment and Changing Cinema
Sharib Hashmi also addressed the gathering. He spoke about his own journey as an actor and his experiences in films and digital entertainment.
Hashmi also talked about the changing landscape of Indian cinema. He responded to questions from the audience, making the session an engaging back-and-forth with young attendees.
Why the Shimla Film Festival Matters for Young Filmmakers
The festival is not just a showcase of films. It gives young filmmakers and students in Shimla a rare chance to hear directly from working actors about the realities of the industry.
- The event is the 12th edition of the International Film Festival of Shimla.
- It was inaugurated at the historic Gaiety Theatre by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri.
- Manoj Joshi and Sharib Hashmi led special sessions and interacted with the audience.
- Young filmmakers, students and cinema lovers took part in the sessions.
Our Take: A Small City, a Big Stage for Cinema
In our view, the opening of the 12th International Film Festival of Shimla sends a simple but important message — good cinema events do not need to happen only in big metro cities. Shimla, with its historic Gaiety Theatre, has shown it can host a serious celebration of Indian and international film.
To put it plainly, the real value of this festival lies in its access. When actors like Manoj Joshi and Sharib Hashmi sit down and talk about their craft with students and young filmmakers, it closes the gap between the screen and the people who dream of being on it. That kind of direct interaction is hard to find, especially outside the main film hubs.
What readers should take away is this: the festival is a reminder that cinema culture in India is spreading beyond Mumbai and beyond big-budget events. For Shimla, it is a moment of pride. For young filmmakers in the region, it is an open door.