HT Correspondent
Kheroni, Feb 6: The inaugural edition of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) is set to take place from February 7 to 9 at the Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio in Guwahati.
Organised by Trending Now Media, the festival aims to celebrate the rich and diverse storytelling traditions of Asia, with a special focus on the burgeoning film industry of Assam and the northeast region.
The festival will kick off with the Iranian film In the “Arms of the Tree”, directed by Babak Khajehpasha, and conclude with “My Melbourne”, a collaborative work by renowned filmmakers Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das, Onir, and Kabir Khan.
Over 200 feature films from across Asia, including Iran, Nepal, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Azerbaijan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Turkey, will be screened during the three-day event.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, honorary festival director Monita Borgohain expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are proud to present a thoughtfully curated line-up that promises to captivate audiences and inspire filmmakers. Every film was carefully selected to offer a transformative cinematic journey, bridging cultures and sparking meaningful conversations.”
The festival will feature two screens to showcase the selected films, ensuring a wide array of cinematic experiences for attendees. A dedicated competitive category for northeast Indian films will recognise excellence in filmmaking through awards for ‘Best Film’, ‘Best Direction’, and ‘Best Performance’.
This segment aims to celebrate the creativity, technical prowess, and unique storytelling of the region’s filmmakers.
GAFF 2025 is poised to become a significant platform for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration, bringing together filmmakers, critics, and cinema enthusiasts from across Asia. With its focus on diverse narratives and regional talent, the festival promises to be a landmark event in the Asian film calendar.