The vibrant city of Guwahati is preparing to host the third edition of the Northeast International Documentary & Film Festival (NIDFF) on December 13. This significant cultural event will unfold at the historic Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio, promising a day dedicated to the power of cinematic narrative.
A Growing Platform for Regional and Global Cinema
Originally launched in Dibrugarh by RedCardinal Motion Pictures, the festival is expanding its reach this year through a strategic collaboration with the Akhara Ghar Cine Society (AGCS). This partnership is a heartfelt tribute to the late musical legend and cultural icon, Zubeen Garg. Organizers position NIDFF as a crucial global stage that connects the unique storytelling traditions of Northeast India with international filmmaking currents.
The festival's appeal is truly worldwide, having attracted submissions from 15 different countries. Filmmakers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Japan, Germany, and Australia are among those participating. From an impressive pool of 162 entries, an international jury has selected 40 films for the final nomination round.
A Celebration of Diverse Indian Filmmaking Traditions
While international films form a core part of the lineup, NIDFF 2024 will also shine a bright spotlight on India's rich regional cinema. The festival programme features a wide array of films representing diverse linguistic and cultural traditions, including Assamese, Khasi, Oriya, Kannada, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Bengali, Rajasthani, Gujarati, and Punjabi.
The day-long schedule is packed with engaging activities. It will commence with the 'Bhupen Zubeen Quiz', a special segment celebrating the monumental contributions of both Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg to the region's cultural landscape. This will be followed by screenings of 11 short films and short documentaries. Attendees can also look forward to insightful panel discussions featuring seasoned industry professionals.
Recognizing Excellence Across Filmmaking Crafts
A major highlight of the festival will be the awards ceremony, where excellence will be honored across multiple categories. The awards list is comprehensive, covering:
- Best Short Film
- Best Feature Film
- Best Short Documentary
- Best Feature Documentary
- Best Northeast India Special Award
- Best Director
- Best Actor (Male and Female)
- Best Director of Photography
- Best Editing
- Best Screenplay
- Best Sound Design
Festival director Saurav Dutta and executive director Mridupawan Bora emphasized the festival's core mission. They stated that NIDFF aims to elevate regional talent and amplify voices engaged in socially relevant filmmaking. Describing the festival as "a vital bridge" for emerging creators, they affirmed its role in championing stories deeply rooted in cultural heritage and universal human experiences.
The organizers have extended an open invitation to filmmakers, students, film professionals, and the general public to be part of this celebration. They believe the event powerfully showcases cinema's unique ability to unite and inspire across continents and cultures.
