The 18th edition of the International Guwahati Film Festival is set to showcase a diverse selection of regional, national, and international films over a five-day period. This year’s festival features films from countries such as Germany, Russia, Iran, Sri Lanka, Portugal, Vietnam, Brazil, and Montenegro, along with Indian films presented in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Assamese, Bodo, Manipuri, and Bengali. Organized by the Gauhati Cine Club, the inaugural session took place at the Kanaklal Baruah Auditorium in Guwahati, with internationally renowned filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma attending as the Chief Guest and Rajni Basumatary serving as the Guest of Honour.
Aribam Syam Sharma opened the festival with a speech emphasizing the significance of cinema clubs and the supportive environment they offer to filmmakers, reminiscing about his connections formed through the Gauhati Cine Club which played a crucial role in his career development. He reflected on his past collaborations with notable filmmakers like the late Bhabendra Nath Saikia and Jahnu Barua. Rajni Basumatary acknowledged the efforts in organizing a long-standing film festival and commended the presentation of prominent films to the audience in the region.
The festival pays tribute to cultural icons Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg, dedicating this edition in their honor. The festival’s brochure, compiled by Kushal Dutta, and the annual publication “Chitrachinta,” edited by Garima Kalita and Miftauddin Ahmed, were simultaneously launched. The retrospective segment features the classic Indian film “Ishanou,” directed by Aribam Syam Sharma, alongside viewings of his other works “Imagi Ningthem” and “Sanab.”
Additionally, the festival will premiere the film “Samparan,” directed by Arup Manna, and will include a special screening of the National Film Award-winning “Dinabandhoo,” directed by Munin Barua, as a tribute to Zubeen Garg, who starred and provided music for the film. The festival’s closing film will be “Gorai Phakhri,” directed by Rajni Basumatary. All screenings will take place at the Kanaklal Baruah Auditorium, concluding on February 17 with a closing ceremony.
