The second edition of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival, held from January 22, to January 25, 2026, at Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio, Guwahati, unfolded as a meaningful confluence of cinema, cultures and conversations.

Over the course of four days, the festival became a space where stories travelled across borders, languages and lived realities, reaffirming the shared human core of Asian cinema.

This edition of GAFF brought together films from across Asia—including Iran, Uzbekistan, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia, Hong Kong, China, Kazakhstan and Myanmar—alongside films from India and the northeast.

Assamese, Karbi, Bodo, Mising, Manipuri and other voices from the northeast region stood confidently alongside international narratives, creating a diverse and inclusive cinematic landscape.

The films screened during the festival were predominantly independent works, each carrying a distinct authorial voice.

From the opening film Sunday by Shokir Kholikov (Uzbekistan) to the closing film In the Land of Brothers from Iran, the programming reflected a conscious commitment to cinema driven by storytelling rather than scale.

Films such as River Tales (Noi Kotha), Morning Sunshine (Rador Pakhi), The Woodcutter, Victoria, Phouobee, Ganaraag, A Poet of the River, and Yakasi’s Daughter stood out for their rooted narratives and sincerity of expression.

A recurring realisation throughout the festival was the immense challenge of independent filmmaking, particularly in the absence of financial backing.

Directors from different countries spoke a common cinematic language shaped by constraint—where limited resources demanded clarity of vision, narrative discipline and creative resilience.

These films did not rely on spectacle; instead, they drew strength from authenticity, atmosphere and emotional truth.

The festival experience extended beyond screenings into interactive sessions, workshops, masterclasses and panel discussions, offering valuable insight into the creative, technical and logistical realities of cinema.

Conversations around cinematography, film appreciation, production challenges, funding pathways and festival journeys created an open and enriching learning environment.

A defining thought articulated during the festival came from Chief Guest Girish Kasaravalli, who emphasised that the technical team forms the backbone of every film.

This perspective resonated strongly throughout the festival, where the importance of collective effort—both on-screen and off-screen—was evident. Cinema, as reaffirmed here, remains a collaborative art built on trust, skill and shared commitment.

This spirit of collaboration was also visible in the way the festival itself was conducted. From technical teams to on-ground support staff, every individual worked with discipline, precision and a strong sense of ownership.

The seamless execution of screenings and events reflected a collective dedication that elevated the overall festival experience.

While the diversity of films was one of GAFF’s strengths, a noticeable thematic pattern emerged, with many narratives focusing on economic hardship and survival.

While such stories remain vital and reflective of lived realities, there exists scope within festival cinema to explore a broader spectrum of human experience. Expanding these narrative horizons may further enrich future editions of the festival.

As the second edition of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival concluded, it reaffirmed the relevance of independent cinema, the necessity of dialogue, and the importance of platforms that nurture voices from both the region and across Asia.

GAFF continues to establish itself not merely as a film festival, but as a space for reflection, exchange and cinematic integrity.

Indian Showcase Awards 2026

The Indian Showcase Awards at GAFF 2026 recognised outstanding achievements in Indian independent 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 these recognitions, the festival concluded on a note that celebrated both artistic excellence and the collaborative spirit of independent filmmaking, setting a strong foundation for future editions of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival.

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