Guwahati, January 5, 2026: The organisers of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) on Monday unveiled the much-awaited lineup of films for the second edition of the festival at a press conference held in Guwahati. Following the grand success of its maiden edition, the second edition of GAFF will be held from January 22 to January 25, 2026, at Jyoti Chitraban, Guwahati.

The festival is being organised by Trending Now Media, with support from the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.

The opening film of GAFF 2026 will be the Uzbekistan feature ‘Sunday’, directed by Shokir Kholikov, while the closing film will be the Iranian feature ‘In the Land of Brothers’, directed by Alireza Ghasemi and Raha Amirfazli. This edition of the festival will be honoured by the presence of legendary Indian filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli, who will grace the festival as its Chief Guest. Bollywood and Marathi film actress Sonali Kulkarni will be the Special Invited Guest for the closing ceremony.

Dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the diverse cinematic traditions of Asia, GAFF has emerged as a significant cultural platform contributing to the global appreciation of Asian cinema. The festival brings together filmmakers, critics, scholars, and audiences, fostering cross-cultural dialogue through the medium of film.

The inaugural edition of GAFF, held in February 2025, left a strong impression on the film festival circuit, attracting vibrant participation from across several Asian countries. Cine lovers were treated to a carefully curated showcase of Asian cinema, complemented by thought-provoking panel discussions and interactive sessions with filmmakers and critics.

Speaking on the occasion, Monita Borgohain, Honorary Festival Director of GAFF, said: “The overwhelming love we received from film lovers during our first edition inspired us to plan an even grander second edition. GAFF 2026 promises to be bigger and better, continuing its celebration of the rich diversity of Asian cinema, with more filmmakers from outside the region joining the event. We have received more than 200 film submissions, including 90 entries from outside India.”

The second edition of GAFF will showcase films from 10 Asian countries, including Vietnam, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Myanmar, Iran, Kazakhstan, and China. Alongside international selections, the festival will also present films from across India, with screenings in multiple languages such as Marathi, Bajjika, Malayalam, Hindi, Tulu, Nepali, Assamese, Karbi, Bodo, Mishing, Manipuri, and Bengali, highlighting the linguistic diversity of the region and the country.

The four-day festival will screen 26 films, including eight Competition entries, alongside a strong slate of international titles. In addition to film screenings, GAFF 2026 will feature a series of masterclasses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions led by filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals from India and other Asian countries. These sessions aim to encourage deeper engagement with cinematic craft, storytelling traditions, and contemporary trends in Asian filmmaking.

Positioned as the only Asian film festival of its kind in this part of the country, GAFF has carved a unique space in India’s cultural landscape by bringing Asian cinema to the Northeast. The festival stands out for its focused Asian identity and its commitment to building a sustained platform for cross-border cultural exchange through cinema.

The festival will open with the Iranian film ‘In the Arms of the Tree’, directed by Babak Khajehpasha, setting an inspiring tone for the inaugural edition of GAFF. The closing film will be ‘My Melbourne’ by directors Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das, Onir and Kabir Khan.

GAFF 2025, organized by Trending Now Media, is dedicated to showcasing the dynamic and diverse storytelling traditions of Asia while placing a special spotlight on the rich and vibrant cinema of Assam and the North-East region.

The festival will feature a curated selection of over 200 feature films from across Asia, representing countries such as Iran, Nepal, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Azerbaijan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Turkey. A special competitive section, exclusively for films from North-East India, will recognize outstanding achievements in categories including Best Film, Best Direction, and Best Performance, celebrating creativity, technical excellence, and storytelling.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Honorary Festival Director Monita Borgohain said: “GAFF 2025 is all set to be a vibrant celebration of Asia’s rich storytelling traditions. We are proud to present a thoughtfully curated lineup that promises to captivate audiences and inspire filmmakers. Every film has been carefully selected to offer a transformative cinematic journey, bridging cultures and sparking meaningful conversations.”

The three-day event will also host engaging panel discussions and workshops led by renowned filmmakers and industry experts, fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration. It will provide opportunities for filmmakers, actors, and enthusiasts to network and explore future creative projects.

Urging the people of Guwahati to attend the festival, Honorary Programme Director Kishore Kumar Sarma, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for the cine-lovers to relish the finest cinematic masterpieces from across Asia. GAFF 2025 is set to bring the world to our doorstep, allowing audiences to experience diverse cultures, stories, and artistic expressions right here in the heart of Assam.”

Enhancing the festival’s prestige, the internationally renowned Sri Lankan filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage will grace the event as a chief guest. Moreover, adding to the festival’s fame, renowned film critic and festival advisor Srinivasa Santhanam, National Award-winning film critic and filmmaker Utpal Borpujari, National Award-winning filmmaker Manju Borah, and prominent film critic, music journalist, and editor Dalton Christopher will be integral parts of the 1st GAFF.

By celebrating the creativity and narratives of both established and emerging filmmakers, the inaugural edition of Guwahati Asian Film Festival aims to become a cornerstone cultural event, fostering global appreciation for Asian cinema. For registration and more information about the festival, visit gaff.co.in.