Ads

The Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2025 concluded on a high note on Sunday, February 9, with Haobam Paban Kumar’s acclaimed film, Joseph’s Son, winning the Best Film award. The festival, held at Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio in Guwahati, showcased a diverse range of films and highlighted the growing cinematic talent in Northeast India and beyond.

A Grand Celebration of Asian Cinema

The inaugural edition of GAFF 2025 took place from February 7 to 9, attracting filmmakers, cinephiles, and industry professionals from across Asia. The closing ceremony, held just before the screening of My Melbourne—a unique collaborative project by directors Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das, Onir, and Kabir Khan—was a fitting conclusion to the festival’s vibrant three-day journey.

Renowned personalities, including Sri Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage, actor Sheeba Chaddha, and filmmaker Onir, were among the key participants, engaging in insightful discussions on cinema, storytelling, and social themes.

Onir’s Powerful Discussion on Cinema & LGBTQ+ Representation

One of the festival’s most compelling sessions featured a conversation led by filmmaker Onir, who explored the role of cinema in reflecting society, LGBTQ+ representation, and the challenges of activism in the film industry.

During an interview with journalist Mrinal Talukdar, Onir candidly discussed his experiences as an openly gay filmmaker and the hurdles he faced in bringing LGBTQ+ narratives to mainstream cinema. He addressed societal pressures, censorship challenges, and the persistent struggles of independent filmmakers striving to create meaningful and inclusive content.

Northeast India’s Cinema Shines at GAFF 2025

GAFF 2025 placed a strong emphasis on Northeast Indian cinema, dedicating a special competitive section exclusively for films from the region.

Six films competed across multiple categories, highlighting the diverse storytelling and unique cinematic voices emerging from the region. This section of the festival served as a platform for budding filmmakers to showcase their work on a larger stage.

GAFF 2025 Award Winners: Celebrating Excellence in Cinema

Alongside Joseph’s Son winning Best Film, several other filmmakers and artists were recognized for their outstanding contributions:

Major Awards

• Best Film: Joseph’s Son – Directed by Haobam Paban Kumar
• Best Director: Shrutismriti Changkakoti (Before Spring)
• Best Performance: Deepjyoti Kakati (Before Spring)
• Best Music: Rewben Mashangva (Joseph’s Son)
• Best Screenplay: Amardeep Gogoi (Collage)
• Best Editing: Rantu Chetia (Ata Nirjon Duporiya)
• Best Sound Design: Kalesh Laxman & Bambi (Before Spring)
• Best Cinematography: Jayanth Mathavan (Before Spring)

Special Mentions

• Minakshi Kalita – Recognized for her performance in Amateurs
• Nahid Ahmed – Honored for his cinematography in Collage

Monita Borgohain Reflects on GAFF 2025’s Success

Speaking about the festival’s impact, Monita Borgohain, Honorary Festival Director, expressed her gratitude and excitement at the overwhelming response from filmmakers and audiences alike.

“This festival has truly been a celebration of Asian cinema and a significant milestone for Guwahati. We are thrilled to have provided a platform for such powerful storytelling and look forward to making GAFF an annual event that continues to grow and inspire,” Borgohain stated.

A New Chapter for Northeast Indian Cinema

The success of GAFF 2025 marks an exciting new chapter for Northeast India’s film industry. By showcasing local talent on an international platform, the festival has strengthened Guwahati’s position as a hub for cinematic excellence.

With growing participation from filmmakers, industry professionals, and international delegates, GAFF is set to become a premier film festival in the Asian circuit in the coming years.

The inaugural Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025 has set a strong foundation for the future, highlighting the richness of Asian cinema while elevating Northeast Indian filmmakers onto the global stage.

With films like Joseph’s Son winning top honors and emerging filmmakers receiving recognition, GAFF has proven to be a major boost for independent and regional cinema. As preparations for GAFF 2026 begin, the festival’s influence on the film industry, cultural dialogue, and representation of diverse narratives is only expected to grow.

Ads