The 9th edition of the Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival (BVFF) kicked off in grand style at Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio in Guwahati. This four-day cinematic extravaganza promises an immersive experience for cinephiles and filmmakers, highlighting the rich storytelling traditions and burgeoning talent of Indian cinema.
Addressing the inaugural gathering, Festival Director Tanushree Hazarika expressed her vision for BVFF, saying, “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.”
The festival boasts an impressive lineup of 30 films, including 20 in the competitive section and 10 in the non-competitive section. This selection features 13 feature films, 5 documentaries, and 12 short films, showcasing an array of themes and narratives. Alongside the screenings, the event includes masterclasses and industry sessions designed to inspire and engage participants from all corners of the film industry.
One of the festival’s most anticipated events is the theatrical debut of Sardar Udham, directed by Shoojit Sircar and produced by Ronnie Lahiri. Originally planned for a theatrical release but delayed due to the pandemic, the film finally graces the big screen at BVFF. Starring Vicky Kaushal, this historical drama explores the life of Udham Singh, whose pursuit of justice after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre remains an enduring tale of courage and determination.
Other major highlights include Village Rockstars 2, directed by Rima Das, continuing the journey of the spirited Dhunu, and All We Imagine as Light, directed by Payal Kapadia, which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.
The festival’s opening night saw the attendance of prominent figures such as filmmaker Navdeep Singh, producer Ronnie Lahiri, and actor Kopil Bora. Other notable guests included Diganto Bora, Commissioner of Police, Guwahati, and Dr Apurba Sarma, Founder and Chairperson of Tulip Mediworld. The ceremony was further elevated by a soulful performance by Indian folk-fusion singer Abhishruti Bezbaruah, who captivated the audience with her artistry.
The opening film, Bibo Binanao (My Three Sisters), directed by Kenny Deori Basumatary, set the tone for the festival. This Boro-language feature narrates the compelling story of Mizi, a resilient 22-year-old who navigates life’s challenges while supporting her sisters, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
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Day Two promises a feast of cinematic experiences with premieres including Anil Amrut Bhalerao’s Chabila, Sumanth Bhat’s Mithya, and Mridu Pawan Bora’s Jibonsobi. The French animated feature Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds, directed by Benoit Chieux, is also set to enthral audiences.
The documentary section will feature Jyoti Kokaideu by Parthajit Baruah, Two Trains by Vishwesh Suresh, and Zende: The Supercop by Akshay Shah. Industry experts such as film critic Rajeev Masand, actress Aishwarya Lekshmi, producer Dimpy Agrawal, and filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia will enrich the festival with their insights during industry sessions and BVFF Reel Talk.
As the festival unfolds, it promises to be a hub for cinematic excellence and meaningful exchanges. Luminaries including Tigmanshu Dhulia, Rajeev Masand, Abhishek Chaubey, Sandeep Modi, Anvita Dutt, and others will join the event, contributing to its dynamic spirit.
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