Chalachitram National Film Festival 2026
Guwahati: Japanese film Kintsugi, directed by Noomen Noomen, was screened as the inaugural film of the 10th Chalachitram National Film Festival (CNFF), which began on October 24, 2026, at Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio in Kahilipara, Guwahati.
The short feature explores the tragic story of a Japanese salaryman haunted by unresolved grief and childhood trauma. It follows his emotional journey towards accepting death and finding peace beyond life.
The two-day festival is showcasing 44 acclaimed documentaries and short features across competitive and non-competitive screening sections. Organised by Chalachitram, an initiative of Vishwa Samvad Kendra, Assam, the festival centres on the theme ‘Our Heritage, Our Pride’. National Award-winning film director Dr Santwana Bardoloi inaugurated the event on Saturday morning.
A special screening of Bhupen Da Uncut, directed by filmmaker Bobbeeta Sharma, is also scheduled as part of the festival to pay tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika during his birth centenary year. The festival programme also includes the release of a souvenir titled Chalachitram, edited by senior cine journalist Hemchandra Doley.
The preview committee, comprising award-winning director Jhulan Krishna Mahanta, veteran filmmaker Bibhu Dutta, cinematographer Hiten Thakuria, sound engineer Dipak Dutta and singer Babita Sharma, selected the films for the festival.
A jury comprising artistes, critics and filmmakers has selected winners in eight categories. The winners will receive trophies, certificates and cash prizes in the presence of film personalities and cinema enthusiasts.
The valedictory ceremony, scheduled for the afternoon of October 25, will be attended by state Cabinet minister Nilima Devi and other dignitaries.
Uzbek film Present, directed by Asadbek Akmal Ogli, will be screened as the closing film. The short feature tells the story of a group of young cancer patients who encounter a clown, offering them a brief escape from their difficult circumstances. The experience eventually inspires one of them to pursue a career as a physician.
Promoting Cinema and Social Change
India hosts numerous national and regional film festivals that provide platforms for filmmakers to showcase diverse stories, explore social issues and celebrate cultural identities. With its focus on heritage, national pride and socially relevant cinema, CNFF joins a wider network of film festivals promoting independent filmmaking and creative expression.
Other festivals across the country include the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, Jagran Film Festival, Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival, VIBGYOR International Film Festival, Jeevika: Asia Livelihood Documentary Festival, National Science Film Festival and Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema, among others.
Chalachitram organisers hope the festival will encourage emerging filmmakers to use cinema as a medium for social change, highlight the concerns of underprivileged communities and foster a sense of patriotism.
Vishwa Samvad Kendra, Assam, secretary Kishor Shivam, CNFF president Nava Thakuria and secretary Bhagawat Pritam expressed hope that the festival would strengthen the region’s filmmaking culture and inspire young talents to tell stories with social and cultural relevance.
