National award winning filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan stated that the Guwahati International Film Festival has established itself as one of the best film festival venues in India.
“By successfully organising the first Guwahati International Film Festival, Assam has established itself as one of the best film festival venues in the country,” Gopalakrishnan said while delivering his speech as the chief guest during the closing ceremony of the 6-day long first Guwahati International Film Festival (GIFF) at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra on November 2.
He stated that GIFF’s success owes credit to the dedication, well-executed planning and efficient management of all concerned. “All sections of the festival, such as Indian, international, regional, retrospective and master classes were well taken care of,” he added.
In his speech Adoor Gopalakrishnan stressed on establishing a permanent film festival complex in the state. He stated that a permanent film festival complex with 4 to 5 cinema halls of different sitting capacities will make it convenient for the delegates, filmmakers and cine lovers to enjoy and participate at the festival at one venue.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Assam minister for cultural affairs Naba Kumar Doley stated, “Our efforts are well paid off as GIFF 2017 has received overwhelming response from both the delegates as well as the cine enthusiasts.” Doley said that the festival has provided a platform for showcasing movies of varied genres, giving exposure to new filmmakers and also for exchange of views and experiences with the veterans from the field.
While attending the programme, Prasanna Vithanage, noted Sri Lankan film director and the chairman of the jury (competition section) stated that the success of the festival will go a long way to inspire the young filmmakers of the region. Sharing his experience, he added that the poetic beauty of some of the Assamese movies of the festival are second to no Indian and international movies. Vithanage added, “It was really interesting to watch that some of the Assamese movies have very independent and confident woman characters, which is indeed a reflection of a progressive society.”
Pabitra Margherita, chairman of Jyoti Chitraban delivered the welcome address and thanked all stakeholders for making the festival a grand success. Monita Borgohain, director of GIFF also expressed gratitude to all concerned on the successful culmination of the festival.
The Guwahati International Film Festival was organised by Jyoti Chitraban in association with Dr Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film and Television Institute with the support from the cultural affairs department, Assam.
