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Insights > Media Partnership | Interview with Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025

By culture360

27 Jan 2025

Media Partnership | Interview with Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025

Media Partnership | Interview with Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025

As part of culture360's Media Partnership with Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF), we speak to Himjyoti Talukdar, GAFF's Creative Director, on the conception of the festival and the state of Indian and international film sector today. 


1. The Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) will launch its first edition in February 2025 in Guwahati, Assam, India. How was GAFF conceived and why did Trending New Media initiate an Asian film festival in Guwahati? 

Himjyoti Talukdar: The Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF), set to debut on 7-9 February 2025, was born out of a profound realisation—there was a noticeable absence of an Asian film festival in 

the entire Northeast region of India. Films are more than entertainment; they are reflections of cultural identity, serving as mirrors to a region’s heritage and ethos. The Northeast, with its rich history of vibrant independent cinema, stands as a testament to this idea. 

Uniquely positioned, this region shares more international borders with neighbouring countries than internal borders with the rest of India, making it an ideal gateway to Asian cultural exchange. This geographical and cultural significance inspired the vision of an Asian film festival that would not only celebrate the cinematic brilliance of the continent but also highlight the region’s own contributions to this art form. 

Furthermore, attending major film festivals in places like Goa, Chennai, Pune, Bangalore, or Kerala often proves challenging for many in the Northeast due to the considerable travel and financial constraints. Guwahati, the region’s largest city and its gateway, emerged as the perfect venue to bridge this gap. By hosting GAFF, Trending Now Media aims to create an accessible platform for cinephiles, filmmakers, and enthusiasts to explore the unique narratives of Asian cinema without leaving their region. 

Asian cinema, known for its profound storytelling and cultural depth, has earned global recognition over the years. It was only fitting that Guwahati, a city at the crossroads of cultures and traditions, become the stage for this cinematic celebration. Together, these factors culminated in the inception of GAFF, promising to not only honour Asia’s cinematic legacy but also position Northeast India on the global film map. 

1. Himjyoti Talukdar (right), Founder of Trending Now Media and Creative Director of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival, with the Festival Honorary Director, Ms. Monita Borgohain © GIFF Official


2. The theme for the first edition of the festival is ‘Cinema Beyond Borders’. Could you share with us how the theme of the festival was developed and what it reveals about India’s film sector today?

Himjyoti Talukdar: The theme of the inaugural GAFF, ‘Cinema Beyond Borders,’ was conceived as a celebration of the unifying power of storytelling. In a world that often draws boundaries—geographical, cultural, or ideological—cinema remains a borderless art form that connects people across divides. The theme is particularly resonant in the context of Northeast India, a region celebrated for its rich cultural diversity, its connections with neighbouring countries, and its unique position as a hub of traditions and influences. 

In India’s film sector today, this theme carries immense significance. Indian cinema has evolved beyond regional or national narratives, finding its voice on global platforms while embracing the universal language of emotions, struggles, and dreams. From Satyajit Ray’s humanistic tales to modern-day filmmakers pushing boundaries in form and content, Indian cinema reflects a spirit of innovation and inclusivity. ‘Cinema Beyond Borders’ highlights this journey, emphasising the breaking of stereotypes, the blending of genres, and the fostering of collaborations that transcend nations and cultures. 

For the GAFF, this theme is also a reflection of the host region. Northeast India, with its rich cinematic tradition and cultural heritage, is itself a bridge between diverse worlds. The festival seeks to amplify this essence by bringing together stories from across Asia—stories that challenge preconceived notions and remind us of our shared humanity. 

In essence, ‘Cinema Beyond Borders’ is not just a theme; it is a vision. It underscores the transformative power of cinema to dissolve barriers, spark dialogue, and create a space where art becomes a shared experience, free from confines. Through this, GAFF aims to position itself as a torchbearer of inclusivity and creativity in the ever-evolving narrative of India’s film sector.

2. Still photo from 'The Stranger' (Director: Biplob Sarkar, Bangladesh, 2023), one of the featured films in GAFF 2025.


3. There is an ongoing decentralisation trend in the arts and cultural sector, where artists, cultural professionals and arts organisations are shifting away from capital cities and the cultural centres of countries. What has it been like for the organisers to operate from Assam, a region considered as the peripheries of India? Could you share any challenges and positive aspects you encountered?

Himjyoti Talukdar: Operating from Assam has been a deeply rewarding experience for the organisers. The decentralisation trend in the arts and cultural sector has provided an opportunity to spotlight regions like Assam and the Northeast India which have rich cultural histories and untapped potential. However, stepping away from the traditional cultural hubs also brings challenges that require creativity and resilience to overcome. 

One of the primary challenges is the logistical and infrastructural disparity compared to metropolitan centers. For example, in Guwahati and the entire Northeast region, there are limited venues to organise film festivals of such large scale. Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio in Guwahati is one venue where a film festival of such large scale could be organised. However, there are not many other options. Limited resources and fewer established networks make organising such a festival more complex. Additionally, the perception of the Northeast as a remote or isolated region often leads to hesitancy from collaborators or participants unfamiliar with its vibrancy and dynamism. 

Despite these challenges, operating from Assam has been an immensely enriching journey. The region’s cultural diversity and its deep-rooted traditions in storytelling, music, and art have provided a fertile ground for innovation. Assam’s unique identity—its blend of indigenous and international influences—aligns perfectly with the ethos of an event like GAFF, which celebrates cinema that transcends borders.  

3. Jyoti Chitraban Main Auditorium, venue of the first edition of GAFF © Himjyoti Talukdar

Moreover, there is an audience, particularly the youth in Assam and the Northeast region who are enthusiastically waiting to be a part of such a film festival. Hosting the festival in Guwahati, the gateway to the Northeast, offers an opportunity to bridge cultural gaps and invite national and international attention to a region that has so much to offer. It is also a way to inspire local artists and filmmakers, showing them that their stories have a global platform right here at home.

Ultimately, operating from Assam is more than a logistical choice; it is a statement of intent—to decentralise the arts and bring the spotlight to regions brimming with creativity, resilience, and stories waiting to be told. It is a journey of discovering how the so-called ‘peripheries’ can redefine the cultural narrative of the centre.


4. How do you envision the impact of GAFF in the local and international film sector?  

Himjyoti Talukdar: GAFF is envisioned as a bridge between the local and international film sectors, creating a dynamic platform where diverse cinematic voices converge. On a local level, GAFF aspires to inspire and empower filmmakers from Assam and the wider Northeast region by providing them with exposure to world-class cinema and opportunities for collaboration. It seeks to nurture the region’s rich storytelling traditions and encourage local creators to embrace narratives that resonate on a global stage. 

Internationally, GAFF aims to position Guwahati as a hub of cinematic exchange, introducing global audiences to the unique cultural and artistic heritage of Northeast India. By showcasing a carefully curated selection of Asian films, Indian films and also films from the Northeast (competitive section-competition among Northeastern films), the festival will highlight the universal themes that connect us while celebrating the distinct flavours of Asian storytelling. This mutual exchange will not only elevate the region’s presence in the global film circuit but also offer international filmmakers and audiences fresh perspectives. 

Over time, the festival has the potential to become a cultural landmark, fostering collaborations between regional and global artists, inspiring dialogue across borders, and catalysing the growth of the film sector in the region.  

GAFF envisions cinema as more than an art form—it is a platform for connection, understanding, and transformation, leaving an indelible mark on both local and international film sectors.

4. Still photo from 'My Melbourne' (Directors: Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Onir and Rima Das, Australia, 2024), one of the featured films in GAFF 2025.


5. What can audiences expect from the first edition of the festival and what do you hope they will take away or learn from this experience? 

Himjyoti Talukdar: Audiences at the first edition of the festival can look forward to an enriching experience filled with diverse stories from across Asia. From thought-provoking narratives to visually appealing films, the festival promises a vibrant showcase of cinema that transcends cultures and languages. Beyond the screenings, there will be opportunities to engage with filmmakers and participate in discussions concerning the art of storytelling.  

We hope audiences leave with a deeper appreciation for the power of cinema to connect everyone—revealing shared emotions, challenges, and aspirations that unite people across borders. More importantly, we aspire for this experience to ignite curiosity, inspire creativity, and foster a sense of pride in and appreciation for Northeast India within the global cinematic landscape.


About the Interviewee

Himjyoti Talukdar, the founder of Trending Now Media and Creative Director of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival, is a filmmaker from Assam whose passion for storytelling has been the driving force behind his career. His keen interest in filmmaking led him to establish Trending Now Media, a premier audio-video production house in the region. Himjyoti has directed two Assamese feature films and is currently working on his third project. His films have earned widespread recognition, receiving accolades and being featured at esteemed festivals and award ceremonies. In addition to filmmaking, he is deeply committed to preserving Assam’s cultural heritage. His portal, Enajori.com (Now enajori.org), was honoured with the prestigious World Summit Award in 2014 in Colombo for its significant role in cultural preservation.


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