The second edition of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) concluded on January 25, 2026, at Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio, Guwahati, drawing filmmakers, critics and audiences from across Asia and India for four days of screenings and discussions.

Held from January 22 to January 25, the festival featured films from countries including Iran, Uzbekistan, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia, Hong Kong, China, Kazakhstan and Myanmar, alongside productions from India and the northeast.

Films in Assamese, Karbi, Bodo, Mising and Manipuri languages were prominently represented, reflecting the event's focus on diversity and inclusion.

The festival showcased primarily independent films, with an emphasis on storytelling and author-driven cinema.

The opening film was Sunday by Uzbek filmmaker Shokir Kholikov, while the closing film, In the Land of Brothers from Iran, brought the event to a close.

Other notable screenings included River Tales (Noi Kotha), Morning Sunshine (Rador Pakhi), The Woodcutter, Victoria, Phouobee, Ganaraag, A Poet of the River, and Yakasi’s Daughter.

Several filmmakers highlighted the challenges faced by independent cinema, particularly the lack of financial support.

Discussions during the festival reflected how limited resources often require greater creative discipline and narrative focus. Many of the films relied on realism and emotional depth rather than large-scale production values.

In addition to film screenings, the festival hosted workshops, masterclasses and panel discussions on cinematography, production, funding and festival distribution.

These sessions provided participants with practical insight into the technical and logistical aspects of filmmaking.

Veteran filmmaker and Chief Guest Girish Kasaravalli underlined the importance of technical teams in filmmaking, describing them as the backbone of any production. His remarks reinforced the festival’s emphasis on collaboration and collective effort in cinema.

Organisers and participants also noted the smooth conduct of the event, with technical and support staff ensuring the uninterrupted running of screenings and programmes.

While the festival presented a wide range of stories, many films centred on themes of economic hardship and survival.

Observers noted that although such narratives remain relevant, future editions could benefit from exploring a broader range of social and personal themes.

The festival concluded by reaffirming its commitment to promoting independent cinema and encouraging dialogue among filmmakers from the region and across Asia.

Organisers said GAFF aims to continue serving as a platform for emerging voices and meaningful cinematic exchange.

Indian Showcase Awards 2026

The Indian Showcase Awards were announced at the closing ceremony, recognising achievements in independent Indian cinema.

• Best Film: Victoria (Malayalam)
  Director: Sivarangini

• Second Best Film: Shape of Momo (Nepali)
  Director: Tribeny Rai

• NE Spotlight Award: Noi Kotha (River Tales) (Assamese)
  Director: Dr Pankaj Borah

• Jury Special Mention:
  Anand Ravi, for cinematography in Victoria

With the announcement of the awards, the second edition of GAFF concluded on a note highlighting artistic merit and collaborative effort, laying the groundwork for future editions of the festival.

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