by Nava Thakuria
Guwahati, Oct 12: Cinema not merely as a source of entertainment but as a medium to foster nationalism — that’s the philosophy driving Chalachitram, a film initiative that celebrates India’s heritage through the art of storytelling. The 9th edition of the Chalachitram National Film Festival (CNFF) is set to return on October 25–26, 2025, at Jyoti Chitraban, Guwahati, promising another visual treat for cinephiles of the Northeast.
Organized by Chalachitram (www.chalachitram.in) — a film society mentored by Bharatiya Chitra Sadhna and Vishwa Samvad Kendra–Assam — the festival aims to honour thousands of years of India’s civilizational legacy, culture, and values. Nearly 40 short films and documentaries (produced between November 1, 2024, and September 15, 2025, with a maximum duration of 25 minutes) will be screened under competition and non-competition categories.
From Guwahati to National Platform
Launched in 2017 as the Guwahati Film Festival and rebranded in 2019 with the theme “Our Heritage, Our Pride,” Chalachitram has grown into a movement that celebrates Indian culture through cinema. It embraces diverse subjects — from India’s heritage, freedom movement, and mythology to women’s empowerment, environment, and traditional arts. Themes such as cultural nationalism, family values, tourism, music, indigenous festivals, and social reform are woven into its cinematic tapestry.
Selection and Tributes
The preview committee, comprising award-winning director Jhulan Krishna Mahanta, veteran filmmaker Bibhu Dutta, and noted cinematographer Hiten Thakuria, shortlisted around 40 films from over 100 entries. A jury panel of filmmakers, writers, critics, and professionals will decide the winners, who will receive trophies, certificates, and cash awards in the presence of renowned film personalities.
Festival Secretary Bhagwat Pritam revealed that a special tribute will be dedicated to Assam’s ‘Prince of Melody,’ Zubeen Garg, who passed away in Singapore on September 19 under mysterious circumstances.
Echoes from CNFF 2024
The previous edition of CNFF showcased an inspiring mix of patriotism, environmental awareness, and human emotions. The festival concluded with Jaswandha winning the Best Film (Rest of India) award and A Sylvan Saga claiming the Best Film (Northeast) title.
Directed by Shoneel Yallattikar and produced by Noopur Lidbide, Nishad Kulkarni, and Yallattikar, Jaswandha tells the poignant story of an elderly couple navigating loneliness in a changing urban world, brought to life by veteran actors Neena Kulkarni and Mohan Joshi.
A Sylvan Saga, directed and produced by Jyoti Prasad Das, follows the journey of a rescued baby rhinoceros from a tea garden near Kaziranga National Park to its eventual relocation in Manas National Park. The film not only showcases wildlife conservation efforts in Assam but also earned Das the Best Director award.
The Best Screenplay went to Abhijit Nayak for Wrong Number, directed by Bijit Borgohain, depicting a widower’s introspective encounter with an anonymous caller that leads to self-realization.
Honouring Excellence
The Best Cinematography award was shared by Angsuman Barua and Pradip Ch. Sarma for Aadi Shakti Maa Kamakhya — a documentary exploring the legends of the Kamakhya Shaktipeeth — and Chida Bora and Sarpil Nandan Deka for Teens of 1942, which salutes India’s freedom martyrs.
Bhaskar Jyoti Bhuyan received the Best Editing award for Birubala – The Fearless Crusader, directed by Dhiraj Kashyap, portraying the tireless campaign of social activist Birubala Rabha against witch-hunting in Assam.
The Jury’s Special Mention went to A Letter to My Home by Devajani Halder, which explores themes of homelessness, mental health, and societal inequality.
The five-member jury — Dr. Pavitra Shrivastava, Dr. Santosh Pathare, Sanskar Desai, Jadumani Dutta, and Oinam Gautam — felicitated the winners at the closing ceremony, graced by evergreen Assamese cine personality Mridula Barua, who lit the ceremonial lamp before Bharat Mata’s portrait.
Cinema as a Unifying Force
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Atul Gangowar urged filmmakers to use cinema as a medium to promote unity and patriotism, emphasizing that “films should not divide but unite — and filmmaking should not end with monetary pursuits.”
Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming audience response, organizers Kishor Shivam, Pramod Kalita, Riju Dutta, Aparajita Pujari, Nihar Sarma, and Buddha Bharat reiterated their commitment to nurturing a cinema culture rooted in India’s ethos.
As Chalachitram prepares for its ninth edition, the festival continues to inspire filmmakers to treat cinema not just as art — but as a movement to strengthen national consciousness and pride.
