Guwahati: The much-anticipated Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2025 will take place from February 7 to 9 at the Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio in Guwahati.
This three-day event is set to become a landmark for film enthusiasts, creators, and industry professionals, celebrating the diversity and richness of Asian cinema while providing a platform for cultural exchange and creative dialogue.
The festival will kick off with the Iranian film In the Arms of the Tree, directed by Babak Khajehpasha, offering an inspiring start to the inaugural edition of GAFF.
The closing film will be My Melbourne, a collaborative effort by directors Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das, Onir, and Kabir Khan.
GAFF 2025, organised by Trending Now Media, aims to showcase the dynamic storytelling traditions across Asia while emphasising the vibrant cinema of Assam and the North-East region.
The festival will present a curated selection of over 200 feature films from various Asian countries including Iran, Nepal, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Azerbaijan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Turkey.
A key highlight of the festival is the special competitive section exclusively for films from North-East India.
This segment will celebrate local filmmaking talent and recognize outstanding achievements in categories such as Best Film, Best Direction, and Best Performance.
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During a press conference on Thursday, Honorary Festival Director Monita Borgohain shared her excitement about the festival, stating, “GAFF 2025 is set to be a vibrant celebration of Asia’s rich storytelling traditions. We are proud to present a carefully curated lineup that promises to captivate audiences and inspire filmmakers.”
She added that every film has been selected to offer a transformative cinematic journey, bridging cultures and sparking meaningful conversations.
In addition to screenings, the festival will feature a series of engaging panel discussions and workshops led by renowned filmmakers and industry experts.
These sessions will foster dialogue, collaboration, and networking opportunities for filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts alike, facilitating the exchange of creative ideas.
Honorary Programme Director Kishore Kumar Sarma urged the people of Guwahati to attend the event, saying, “GAFF 2025 offers cine-lovers an excellent opportunity to experience the finest cinematic masterpieces from across Asia.
The festival brings the world to our doorstep, allowing audiences to explore diverse cultures, stories, and artistic expressions right here in Assam.”
Adding further prestige to the festival, internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage will attend as the chief guest.
The event will also feature prominent personalities including renowned film critic and festival advisor Srinivasa Santhanam, National Award-winning filmmakers Utpal Borpujari and Manju Borah, and film critic, music journalist, and editor Dalton Christopher.
By showcasing both established and emerging filmmakers, GAFF 2025 aims to become a cornerstone cultural event, contributing to the global recognition and appreciation of Asian cinema.
For more information and to register, visit gaff.co.in.
