Guwahati, Dec 6: The highly anticipated 9th edition of the Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival (BVFF) commenced at Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio in Guwahati on Thursday.

The event marked the start of a four-day cinematic celebration, drawing cinephiles, filmmakers, and luminaries from the Indian film industry to the vibrant heart of the Northeast.

Festival Director Tanushree Hazarika, while addressing the gathering, said, “BVFF has always been a platform to bring compelling stories to the forefront and foster meaningful conversations in the world of cinema. This year’s lineup is a testament to the diverse and vibrant filmmaking talent we have in the country.”

A diverse showcase of films and engaging sessions 

The festival features a total of 30 films, comprising 20 in the competitive section and 10 in the non-competitive section. This eclectic mix includes 13 feature films, 5 documentaries, and 12 short films, showcasing an array of narratives that reflect the rich storytelling tradition of Indian cinema.

In addition, the festival is hosting masterclasses and industry sessions to engage and inspire filmmakers and cinephiles alike.

A feast for film lovers

A major highlight of the festival is the long-awaited first theatrical release of Sardar Udham, directed by the acclaimed Shoojit Sircar and produced by visionary filmmaker Ronnie Lahiri. This cinematic masterpiece, which never received its deserved theatrical release due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will finally have its big-screen debut at BVFF. Starring Vicky Kaushal, the film explores the life of Udham Singh and his unwavering pursuit of justice following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, a story that continues to inspire.

Additionally, Village Rockstars 2, directed by Rima Das, and All We Imagine as Light, directed by Payal Kapadia, will be the key highlights of the upcoming days. Both films have garnered significant attention, with Village Rockstars 2 continuing the journey of Dhunu and All We Imagine as Light making history at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Grand Prix.

Day 1 screenings and opening ceremony

The opening event of the festival was graced by renowned filmmaker Navdeep Singh, celebrated producer Ronnie Lahiri, and the ever-charismatic actor Kopil Bora, whose arrival added undeniable star power to the evening. Joining them were distinguished personalities like Diganto Bora, Commissioner of Police, Guwahati, and Dr. Apurba Sarma, Founder and Chairperson of Tulip Mediworld.

Adding to the enchantment of the evening, acclaimed Indian folk-fusion singer Abhishruti Bezbaruah graced the stage with her melodious performance, leaving the audience mesmerised.

The opening film of the festival, Bibo Binanao (My Three Sisters), directed by Kenny Deori Basumatary, left a lasting impression on attendees. The Boro-language feature tells the inspiring story of 22-year-old Mizi, who, with her street-smart resilience, supports her sisters as they navigate life’s challenges.

As the festival moves forward, Day 2 promises an array of cinematic experiences, including the India premiere of Anil Amrut Bhalerao’s Hindi feature film Chabila, Sumanth Bhat’s Mithya, and Jibonsobi by Mridu Pawan Bora. The French animated feature Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds by Benoit Chieux is set to be a highlight.

The documentary lineup features Jyoti Kokaideu by Parthajit Baruah, Two Trains by Vishwesh Suresh, and Zende: The Supercop directed by Akshay Shah. In addition, Film Critic and Journalist Rajeev Masand, Actress Aishwarya Lekshmi, Producer Dimpy Agrawal, and Filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia will participate in the industry sessions and BVFF Reel Talk, offering their valuable insights and expertise.

Luminaries like Tigmanshu Dhulia, Rajeev Masand, Sandeep Modi, Abhishek Chaubey, Anvita Dutt, Shreya Dev Dube, Sidhant Gandhi (Toosid), Dimpy Agrawal, Leena Yadav, Sneha Desai, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Nitin Baid and others are also set to participate in the festival.

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