GAFF 2025: Assam Gears Up For Three-Day Celebration Of Asian Cinema

As day fades away over the verdant farmlands of Assam a fresh air of cultural euphoria gets ready to sweep across the horizon. Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025 (GAFF 2025) — the next in line is going to be held from February 7th, a three days of jubilation all set to showcase Asian cinema in its full and colorful glory. The theme for this year is set against the lush landscapes of energetic Guwahati cultural hubs and set to welcome film aficionados, filmmakers from various countries the world over along the industry pure to bring you the most delightful Asian story making pieces.

A Cinematic Melody

India & Neighbours, mostly from the movies, some from workshops — top names will participate in this three day fest starting from Feb 7 and has an opportunity for new age aspiring filmmakers. “GAFF 2025 has been set to be an archetypal celebration of staple storytelling traditions of Asia” Monita Borgohain proudly proclaimed. It is a careful selection that boasts acidity and breadth across audiences, to inspire filmmakers.

The films ‘In The Arms Of The Tree’, directed by Babak Khajehpasha from Iran and ‘My Melbourne’ — helmed Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das, Onir & Kabir khan will kick start the fest.

With the organizer Trending Now Media: GAFF 2025 will present the dynamic & diverse storytelling practices from across Asia taking special note of our Legion of Creative Excellence in Assamese and Northeast cinema, the organisers added.

The first edition of Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2025 will be held with a three-day-long schedule from February 7 to 9 on the Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio premises here. The event is organized by Trending Now Media.

According to the organiser, the festival will feature a… pic.twitter.com/cmDrv3Fucs

— The Assam Tribune (@assamtribuneoff) January 17, 2025

Highlights of the Festival

The three-day fest will present a selected programme of 22 films picked from over 200 entries from Asia-Pacific nations including Iran, Nepal, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Azerbaidan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Turkey among others.

Films from North East India will be congregated in a special competitive section to give more importance to outstanding performances in best film, best direction and best lead category of the annual festival. Invited industry legends and directors will take part in panel discussions and workshops at the GAFF, the organisers noted.

“The festival is excited to announce that in 2025, ‘GAFF 2025’ will see the world at our doorstep, our audiences enjoy various cultures, stories and artistic expressions from across the globe in the very heart of Assam,” said Honorary Program Director Kishore Kumar Sarma.

One of the reputed Sri Lankan Film director Prasanna Vithanage to grace the festival. The organisers added that key participants are film critic and festival adviser Srinivasa Santhanam, National Award-winning film critic and filmmaker Utpal Borpujari; National Award-winning film-maker Manju Borah and prominent film writer and critic, music journalist, and editor Dalton Christopher.

The festival will open with the Iranian film ‘In the Arms of the Tree,’ directed by Babak Khajehpasha.#guwahatiasiafilmfestival #showcasing200films https://t.co/xlBn3jLby9

— The Sentinel (@Sentinel_Assam) January 16, 2025

Community Engagement

GAFF 2025 organizers will do their best to involve the local community and ensure that the festival is inclusive for many. Multiple city locations across Assam will host free screenings, community events as well interactive sessions which will spread the magic of cinema to people of Assam.

Global Impact

GAFF has made its name internationally and this edition is anticipated to gather delegates from several major film festivals throughout the world. The belated recognition this film festival gets as one of the best Asian cinema gathering will only increase its global import, and we all know what kind of mutual respect in cinema that is.

🎥✨ Guwahati, Get Ready for the Japanese Film Festival! 🇯🇵

The wait is over—Japanese cinema is coming to Guwahati!
🗓 Dates: 17th to 19th January 2025
📍 Venue: PVR City Centre, City Centre Mall, GS Road

From heartwarming dramas to breathtaking animation, this festival brings… pic.twitter.com/JdzHbFkpRj

— Murtaza Ali Khan (@MurtazaCritic) January 12, 2025

Sustainability and Inclusion

GAFF 2025 will prioritize sustainability and inclusivity – focusing on global trends. It will take part in the green movement of pressing less plastic and encouraging digital ticketing to reduce its carbon set prints. In addition, we try to keep the programming inclusive with a distribution of shows for all audiences.

Conclusion

More than just movie festival, The GAFF 2025 — it is a celebration of the power of storytelling and the cultural richness of Asia. The festival is a proof of Assam’s increase weightage to the global industry of cinema as the city gears up to host cinephiles or the owners from all over Asia. If you are a die-hard film critic on the lookout for anything cinematic, GAFF 2025 will not disappoint anyone; and everyone from budding filmmaker to sheer film lovers. So save the date and make your way up to Guwahati for an unforgettable inspirational film fest.

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