Cinema in Assam is set to celebrate storytelling with purpose as the 9th Chalachitram National Film Festival (CNFF) prepares to light up the Jyoti Chitraban premises in Guwahati on October 25 and 26. This year’s edition promises to be more than a visual feast—it’s a tribute to India’s enduring spirit of nationalism, cultural pride, and artistic integrity.
A Platform Beyond Entertainment
Unlike mainstream film festivals that focus on glamour, the CNFF thrives on substance. Organized by Chalachitram, a film society mentored by Bharatiya Chitra Sadhna and Vishwa Samvad Kendra-Assam, the festival continues its mission to nurture patriotic and culturally rooted cinema. Since its inception in 2017 as the Guwahati Film Festival, and rebranding in 2019 with the theme “Our Heritage Our Pride,” the event has become a respected platform for filmmakers who explore India’s traditions, values, and resilience.
The 2025 edition will feature around 40 films—documentaries and short features—produced between November 2024 and September 2025. Each film, with a runtime under 25 minutes, will compete across various categories, offering creators a chance to inspire audiences with stories about heritage, social reform, women empowerment, and the environment.
Themes That Reflect India’s Soul
Every year, CNFF delves into subjects that define Indian identity and cultural continuity. From freedom fighters and folklore to artisans, family values, and indigenous traditions, the films presented at the festival mirror India’s plural spirit. This year’s focus also extends to environmental awareness, art forms, monuments, and social pioneers—creating a panoramic view of what it means to be Indian in the modern world.
Honoring Artistry and Impact
A distinguished preview committee led by filmmakers Jhulan Krishna Mahanta, Bibhu Dutta, and cinematographer Hiten Thakuria shortlisted the entries from over 100 submissions. A five-member jury, including respected film critics and directors, will honor the most compelling works with trophies, certificates, and cash prizes.
The festival will also pay tribute to the late Zubeen Garg, Assam’s beloved “Prince of Melody,” whose untimely death in Singapore left an emotional void in India’s music and film community.
Films That Made an Impression
Last year’s festival left audiences captivated with thought-provoking films such as Jaswandha and A Sylvan Saga. The former, directed by Shoneel Yallattikar, depicted an elderly couple rediscovering hope during monsoon, while the latter, directed by Jyoti Prasad Das, highlighted the successful rehabilitation of a rescued rhinoceros—a symbol of conservation in Assam.
Awards also went to Wrong Number for best screenplay, Aadi Shakti Maa Kamakhya and Teens of 1942 for best cinematography, and Birubala-The Fearless Crusader for best editing, which portrayed the fight against witch-hunting in Assam.
Inspiring a New Generation of Filmmakers
The festival’s closing ceremony will see veteran personalities like Mridula Barua and chief guest Atul Gangowar urging young filmmakers to use cinema as a tool for unity and awareness. Gangowar emphasized that films should bring people together rather than divide them, inspiring creators to tell stories that strengthen India’s social fabric.
Organizing committee members, including Kishor Shivam, Pramod Kalita, and Aparajita Pujari, expressed hope that CNFF 2025 would continue to ignite creativity among upcoming filmmakers who see cinema as a medium for change rather than mere entertainment.
With its deep-rooted connection to heritage and social awareness, Chalachitram National Film Festival stands as a reminder that cinema can do more than entertain—it can awaken, educate, and unite.
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