The Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2026 has officially begun at Jyoti Chitraban, showcasing 26 films from 10 Asian countries over four days. With premieres, regional cinema, and international selections, the festival highlights cross‑border storytelling and positions Guwahati as a growing cultural hub for Asian cinema.
Guwahati has become the epicentre of Asian cinema as the second edition of GAFF 2026 opened to an enthusiastic audience at Jyoti Chitraban. The festival, running from January 22 to 25, brings together filmmakers, cinephiles, and cultural delegates to celebrate the diversity and depth of Asian storytelling.
The opening film, Sunday from Uzbekistan, directed by Shokir Kholikov, set a reflective tone rooted in everyday human narratives. The festival also marked the India premiere of Japanese filmmaker Masahiro Ota’s S, alongside the Assamese feature An Evening Ballad in the Indian Showcase segment. Curated from over 200 submissions, GAFF 2026 offers a rich blend of regional, national, and international cinema.
Organised by Trending Now Media with support from the NFDC and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the festival underscores Guwahati’s growing role in fostering cultural exchange across borders.
Key Highlights / Major Takeaways
26 films from 10 Asian countries screened over four days
Opening with Uzbekistan’s Sunday; India premiere of Japan’s S
Indian Showcase features regional gems like An Evening Ballad
Curated from 200+ submissions, including 90 international entries
Supported by NFDC and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Conclusion
GAFF 2026 reinforces Guwahati’s emergence as a vibrant cultural crossroads, offering audiences a rare window into Asia’s cinematic diversity while strengthening artistic ties across borders.
Sources: The Assam Tribune, The Statesman, India Today NE, The Guwahati, EastMojo