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Guwahati's Global Stage: Northeast Film Festival Returns with 15 Countries

The Northeast International Documentary & Film Festival is back for its third edition in Guwahati this December. It's grown into a major global event, pulling in films from over a dozen countries while keeping its roots in regional storytelling. The day is packed with film screenings, a special quiz celebrating Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg, and insightful panel talks. It's all about creating a bridge for local talent to connect with the wider world of cinema.

Key Points: NIDFF 2024 Guwahati Northeast International Documentary Film Festival

  • Festival expands via Akhara Ghar Cine Society, honoring late icon Zubeen Garg
  • 40 films shortlisted from 162 global submissions across 15 countries
  • Day includes Bhupen Zubeen Quiz, 11 screenings, and industry panel discussions
  • Awards span Best Film, Director, Actor, and technical categories like Sound Design
2 min read

Third edition of NIDFF to be held in Guwahati on Dec 13; details inside

The 3rd NIDFF in Guwahati on Dec 13 unites 40 films from 15 countries, celebrating regional talent and honoring the legacy of Zubeen Garg.

"a vital bridge for emerging creators - Festival Directors Saurav Dutta & Mridupawan Bora"

Guwahati, December 3

The third edition of the Northeast International Documentary & Film Festival (NIDFF) is set to take place on December 13 at Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio in Guwahati.

According to a press release, the festival, which began in Dibrugarh and was earlier hosted by RedCardinal Motion Pictures, will expand this year through a collaboration with Akhara Ghar Cine Society (AGCS), in tribute to the late musician and cultural icon Zubeen Garg.

Positioned as a global platform linking regional and international cinema, NIDFF aims to showcase diverse storytelling while strengthening the identity of filmmaking in Northeast India.

The festival has drawn entries from 15 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Japan, Germany and Australia. From 162 submissions, 40 films have been shortlisted for final nominations after evaluation by an international jury.

Along with international participation, the festival will feature a wide lineup of regional films representing Assamese, Khasi, Oriya, Kannada, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Bengali, Rajasthani, Gujarati and Punjabi filmmaking traditions.

The day-long programme will open with the 'Bhupen Zubeen Quiz', to celebrate the work of Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg, followed by screenings of 11 short films and short documentaries. Panel discussions featuring industry professionals are also scheduled.

Awards will be conferred across several categories, including Best Short Film, Best Feature Film, Best Short Documentary, Best Feature Documentary, Best Northeast India Special Award, Best Director, Best Actor (Male and Female), Best Director of Photography, Best Editing, Best Screenplay, and Best Sound Design.

Festival director Saurav Dutta and executive director Mridupawan Bora said the festival's purpose is to elevate regional talent and amplify socially relevant filmmaking. Calling NIDFF "a vital bridge" for emerging creators, they said the festival champions stories rooted in heritage and human experience.

The organisers have invited filmmakers, students, film professionals and the public to participate in the event, which they say aims to celebrate cinema's ability to "unite and inspire across continents and cultures."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Great initiative. The Northeast has so much untapped talent and unique stories that mainstream Indian cinema often overlooks. Having an international jury and entries from 15 countries gives it serious credibility. Hope it gets the media coverage it deserves.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the effort, I hope the "Northeast India Special Award" doesn't end up being just a token category. The real success will be if films from the region compete and win in the main categories like Best Film or Best Director against international entries.
S
Sarah B
The lineup of regional languages is impressive! Assamese to Punjabi, Khasi to Gujarati... it's like a mini-India film festival. This is exactly the kind of cultural exchange we need. Wishing all the filmmakers the very best.
K
Karthik V
As a film student from Chennai, this is very encouraging. Panel discussions with professionals are gold for people like us. Is there any option for online participation or streaming for those who can't travel to Guwahati?
M
Meera T
Zubeen Da's legacy being honoured like this brings a tear to my eye. He was more than a singer - a true cultural icon of Assam. The quiz is a lovely idea to engage the youth with his and Bhupen Hazarika's monumental work. Joi Aai Axom!

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