A host of global filmmakers will be seen during the first Guwahati International Film Festival (GIFF), organized by the Assam government, which starts from October 28.
Among others, film personalities from Spain, Czech Republic, Sri Lanka and other countries will attend the six-day mega event. During the festival, over 75 films from 35 countries including India will be screened.
Besides, ambassadors from four countries – Iran, Estonia, Croatia and Czech Republic – have confirmed their presence at the GIFF.
Spaniard David Canova, who is known for his films ‘El intruso’, ‘The Tip of the Iceberg’ and ‘Los archivos del ministerio’ among others, will be one of the main attractions of the festival besides Vica Kerekes who holds the citizenship of Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary. She has acted in some of the well known films including in ‘Men in Hope’ in 2011.
Turkey will be the focus country in the festival and several films of the country will be screened at the festival.
“We are glad to inform that the festival will witness some of the biggest names of the film world from India and abroad. Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Shaji N Karun, Jahnu Barua, Resul Pookutty, AK Bir shall be part of the festival in various capacities, which will have sections like world cinema, country focus, Indian panorama, contemporary Iranian cinema, retrospectives, cinema of Northeast, cinema of Assam and the tribute section,” cultural affairs department minister Naba Kumar Doley said on Thursday.
The festival has been curated by one of India’s top curators Srinivasa Santhanam, who has curated festivals like International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and Mumbai Film Festival besides Bangalore, Pune and Chennai film festivals.
A total of 75 films from 35 countries of the world shall be screened in three screens at the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra and one at the Jyoti Chitraban (Film Studio) Society in the six-day festival.
Noted Sri Lankan filmmaker Prassana Vitthanage is the chairman of the jury to select the ‘Best Film’ from Assam.
Chairman of Jyoti Chitraban (Film Studio) Society, Pabitra Margherita urged the film enthusiasts to register themselves to be a part of the mega event.
“An important part of a film festival is delegate registration. Those who love cinema and are above 18 years are eligible to apply and become a delegate,” he said adding that there will be no passes or ticket sales for cine enthusiasts.
On Thursday, Naba Doley and chairman of Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation and actor Jatin Bora registered themselves as delegates.
GIFF director Monita Borgohain said that they have already visited various educational institutes and other places appealing the youths to be a part of the festival.
