Guwahati is gearing up for the 2nd Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF), which is set to run from January 22 to 25. The festival, drawing attention for its diverse cinematic offerings, will kick off with the opening screening of the Uzbek film ‘Sunday,’ directed by Shokir Kholikov.
At a recent press conference, festival organizers announced an eclectic lineup of films from across Asia, to be showcased at the Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio. Festival Director Monita Borgohain highlighted that the closing film would be the Iranian feature ‘In the Land of Brothers,’ directed by Alireza Ghasemi and Raha Amirfazli.
Prominent figures from the film industry will also be in attendance. Renowned Indian filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli will be the Chief Guest, while Bollywood and Marathi actress Sonali Kulkarni has been invited as the Special Guest for the closing ceremony.
This year’s edition promises to present films from ten Asian countries, including Vietnam, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, South Korea, and Japan. Additionally, the festival will feature a rich selection of Indian films in various languages, such as Marathi, Malayalam, Hindi, and Bengali, showcasing the region’s linguistic diversity.
Over the course of four days, GAFF plans to screen a total of 26 films, including eight competition entries alongside international titles. The festival will also offer a series of masterclasses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions led by industry professionals, enriching the experience for attendees.
GAFF is distinguished as the only festival of its kind in Northeast India, aiming to blend regional cinema with global narratives. Reflecting on the positive reception of the inaugural edition, Borgohain expressed enthusiasm for this year’s lineup, anticipating an even grander celebration of Asian cinema with increased participation from filmmakers across the region.
The organizers received over 200 film submissions, including 90 from beyond India. GAFF 2026 is being organized by Trending Now Media, with backing from the National Film Development Corporation and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. The Advisory Board includes notable members from the film fraternity, like renowned critic Srinivasa Santhanam and National Award-winning filmmaker Manju Borah.
As the festival approaches, excitement builds around its potential to foster cultural exchange and highlight the dynamic landscape of Asian cinema.