GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the 2nd Guwahati International Film Festival (GIFF) at Srimanta Sankardev International Auditorium at Sankardev Kalakshetra, Panjabari in Guwahati on Thursday evening.
With special focus on ASEAN region, the 2nd edition of GIFF organised by Jyoti Chitraban in association with Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Regional Film and Television Institute will showcase altogether 108 films of more than 60 countries during its seven day long schedule.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Chief Minister Sonowal said that the festival was a great beginning to integrate the world and the society. “The theme of the festival Vasudeva Kutumbakam teaches us to live together, work together and grow together. Film is the medium which plays a crucial role in fulfilling this aim”, he said.
Stating that the journey of Assamese film industry started with Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla’s Joymoti in 1935, he said that over the years, the Assamese films have been successful to earn acclaim all over the world. Sonowal appreciated the role of the filmmakers, artistes and technicians involved in film-making in Assam for this accomplishment.
Further terming the artistes as messengers of God, Sonowal said that through their works, artistes could connect with the society and develop positivity. “Films are not just a medium to earn money, it is more of a tool to promote positivity, cooperation, coordination among countries and societies”, he observed.
Moreover, Sonowal said that the state government was committed to uplift the film industry in Assam and had been extending all possible support to the artistes and film makers during last two years. He also announced that the State Film Policy would come up soon in Assam, which is at the last stage of its finalisation.
The Chief Minister also stressed on greater participation of students and youth in the film festival and expressed the view that it would promote creativity and positivity amongst them.