Guwahati: Renowned Sri Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage has sharply criticised US President Donald Trump’s border policies, emphasising the growing trend of isolationism.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) on Friday, Vithanage stressed the importance of fostering global artistic and cultural connections in an increasingly divided world.
“The tagline of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival is ‘Cinema Beyond Borders,’ and it holds great significance for all of us. At a time when US President Donald Trump is focused on building borders, it is our responsibility to connect people through the universal language of cinema,” Vithanage remarked.
His comments underscored his belief that cinema has the power to bridge differences and counter political efforts aimed at dividing nations.
Vithanage, who is in Guwahati for his fourth visit to the region, spoke about his sense of duty towards Assam, a sentiment deeply rooted in his honour of receiving the prestigious Biswaratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika International Solidarity Award in 2017, conferred by the Asam Sahitya Sabha.
“I am proud to have received an award in the name of Bhupen Hazarika. It gives me a special responsibility towards Assam,” Vithanage stated.
The filmmaker also celebrated Assam’s cinematic talent, recalling his encounters with influential Assamese filmmakers such as Rima Das, whom he met at the Busan International Film Festival, and Shiladitya Bora.
He praised the work of Assamese cinema legends like Jahnu Barua, particularly his film Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai, which won multiple awards at the Locarno International Film Festival in 1988. Vithanage described the film as a masterpiece with immense artistic depth.
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Acknowledging the contributions of Assamese filmmakers, Vithanage also highlighted the work of Manju Borah, a filmmaker he described as not only talented but also a “great human being.”
He further lauded Monita Borgohain, the Honorary Festival Director of GAFF 2025, for her passionate dedication in organizing the festival.
“To put together an event like this, you need 98% passion and 2% madness,” he remarked, referring to the challenges of hosting such an event without direct government support.
Vithanage officially inaugurated the festival, setting the stage for a celebration of Asian cinema.
The Guwahati Asian Film Festival, with its commitment to artistic dialogue and global storytelling, is poised to become a vital platform for independent filmmakers and cinephiles, with Vithanage’s presence adding significant weight to its mission.
