Guwahati: Malayalam feature film Victoria, directed by Sivaranjini, emerged as the top winner at the second edition of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2026, receiving the Best Film Award as the four-day festival concluded here on Sunday night.
The film also earned additional recognition, with cinematographer Anand Ravi receiving a Jury Special Mention for his striking visual storytelling.
Victoria traces the journey of a small-town beautician whose decision to elope with her Hindu partner places her at odds with her Catholic family, setting off a chain of events further complicated by the arrival of a rooster intended for a religious ritual.
GAFF 2026 showcased 26 films spanning regional, national and international cinema from 10 Asian countries, bringing together diverse narratives and cinematic styles.
The festival featured entries from Vietnam, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Myanmar, Iran, Kazakhstan and China.
The Second Best Film Award went to Nepali film Shape of Momo, directed by Tribeny Rai.
Set in Sikkim, the film follows a woman who leaves her job to return home and focuses on empowering her family towards independence and self-reliance, earning praise for its sensitivity and fresh perspective.
Highlighting cinema from the Northeast, the NE Spotlight Award was presented to Assamese film Noi Kotha (River Tales) by director Pankaj Borah.
The jury cited the film’s strong cultural grounding and its evocative portrayal of regionally rooted narratives.
The Indian Showcase Competition jury was chaired by renowned filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli, with filmmaker Utpal Borpujari and critic Anupama Bose serving as jury members.
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Festival Director Monita Borgohain said the awards reflected GAFF’s commitment to bold storytelling, regional diversity and meaningful cinema, noting that this year’s winners demonstrated how local stories can carry universal appeal.
This edition of the festival also introduced a Lifetime Achievement Honour, which was conferred on veteran Assamese actor Bishnu Kharghoria in recognition of his long and distinguished contribution to Indian cinema.
In addition to international titles, GAFF 2026 featured films from across India in languages including Marathi, Bajjika, Malayalam, Hindi, Tulu, Nepali, Assamese, Karbi, Bodo, Mising, Manipuri and Bengali.
The festival programme was complemented by masterclasses, panel discussions and interactive sessions led by filmmakers, critics and industry professionals from India and across Asia, underscoring GAFF’s growing stature as a platform for diverse cinematic voices.
