GUWAHATI: The 9th Chalachitram National Film Festival (CNFF-25) kicked off at the Jyoti Chitraban film studio premises in Kahilipara, where Dr. Sunil Mohanty, Asom Kshetra Prachar Pramukh of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, inaugurated the annual two-day festival on 29 November 2025 by lighting the sacred lamp in front of a portrait of Bharat Mata and three cultural icons of Assam—Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, whose birth centenary celebrations are ongoing; Zubeen Garg, in whose honour a special screening of Mon Jai was organised; and noted flutist Deepak Sarma.
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Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mohanty stressed that cinema, as a powerful medium, must not be confined to entertainment or commercial pursuits alone. He said it has a larger role in fostering nationalism and paying homage to India’s civilisational and cultural heritage. He praised Chalachitram’s effort to provide a platform for short films based on the theme “Our Heritage, Our Pride,” noting that it can play a vital role in raising awareness against social discrimination, protecting the environment, and strengthening civic sense and family values.
Organised by Chalachitram, a subsidiary of Vishwa Samvad Kendra–Assam, CNFF-25 will showcase over 30 short features and documentaries in both competitive (restricted to North-eastern filmmakers) and non-competitive categories. Aham Bhartam (directed by Bharat Bala) was screened as the opening film, while The First Film (directed by Piyush Thakur) has been selected as the closing film, to be screened on 30 November. The preview committee—comprising award-winning director Jhulan Krishna Mahanta, veteran filmmaker Bibhudutta, and cinematographer Hiten Thakuria—selected this year’s film package, said CNFF secretary Bhagawat Pritam.
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A jury panel consisting of renowned filmmaker, critic and writer Vijayakrishnan; national award-winning filmmaker Maipaksana Haorongbam; and leading sound designer and mixer Debajit Gayan has selected the winning films, which will be announced during the closing ceremony. Winners will be honoured with trophies, certificates, and cash awards in the presence of Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary, eminent cultural figure Pranjal Saikia, and several distinguished film personalities, dignitaries, and cine-goers, said VSK Assam secretary Kishor Shivam.
(Nava Thakuria is a senior Indian journalist who contributes to various media outlets including print and digital platforms of India and across the world.)