CNFF-25 KICK STARTS AT JYOTI CHITRABAN,
Facw2News/Guwahati:
The 9th Chalachitram National Film Festival kick starts at Jyoti Chitraban film studio premise in Kahilipara locality, as Dr Sunil Mohanty, Asom Khetra prachar pramukh of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, inaugurated the annual two-day festival on 29 November 2025 by lighting sacred lamps in front of Bharat Mata’s portrait and also three cultural icons of Assam including Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika, whose year-long birth centenary celebrations continue, Zubeen Garg (as a tribute to him, special screening of ‘Mon Jai’ was organised) and flutist Deepak Sarma.
Addressing the distinguished gathering, Dr Mohanty insisted that a powerful media like cinema must not be used for earning money with entertainment alone, rather it has a major role to play fostering nationalism and paying homage to thousands of years of India’s civilisation and cultural heritage. He appreciated the initiative of Chalachitram by providing space for short duration films with the central theme of ‘Our Heritage, Our Pride’ which will go a long way in raising voices against social discrimination, protecting environment, enhancing civic senses and family values.
Organized by Chalachitram, a subsidiary of Vishwa Samvad Kendra-Assam, the CNFF-25 plans to showcase over 30 short features and documentaries in both competitive (confined to north-eastern film makers) and only screening categories. ‘Aham Bhartam’ (directed by Bharat Bala) was screened as the opening film of the unique festival, whereas ‘The First Film’ (directed by Piyush Thakur) is selected as the closing one, to be screened on 30 November. The preview committee comprising award winning director Jhulan Krishna Mahanta, veteran filmmaker Bibhu Dutta and accomplished cinematographer Hiten Thakuria has selected the package of film-works for screening at the festival, said CNFF secretary Bhagawat Pritam.
A jury board consisting of renowned filmmaker, critic & writer, Vijayakrishnan, national award winning filmmaker Maipaksana Haorongbam and leading sound designer & mixer Debajit Gayan have selected the winning films for declaration in the closing ceremony. The winners will be honoured with trophies, certificates, and cash prizes in the presence of State legislative assembly speaker Biswajit Daimary, eminent cultural personality Pranjal Saikia and a number of distinguished film personalities, other dignitaries and cine-goers, informed VSK Assam secretary Kishor Shivam.
