The third Northeast International Documentary and Film Festival (NIDFF) is set to open in Guwahati, Assam. This year’s event underscores the festival’s expanding global reach and its commitment to regional cinema.
Filmmakers from 15 countries submitted entries for this year’s festival. These include major film industries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Japan, Germany, and Australia. An international jury selected 40 films for the final round out of 162 total submissions.
The festival will take place on December 13 at the Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio in Guwahati. Its core mission is to provide a global platform for cinema from Northeast India and to showcase the region’s rich cultural identity.
Historically, the NIDFF began in Durgapur and was previously organized by RedCardinal Motion Pictures. This edition marks a significant expansion, as the festival is collaborating for the first time with Akhara Ghar Cine Society (AGCS). The event is dedicated to the late musician, actor, and cultural icon Zubin Garg, whose artistic legacy deeply influenced music across Assam and the entire Northeast region.
A strong lineup of regional films will be a central feature of the NIDFF. Special screenings are planned for movies in Assamese, Khasi, Odiya, Kannada, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Bengali, Rajasthani, Gujarati, and Punjabi. This broad selection aims to present the diverse tapestry of Indian cultures on a single platform.
The festival program will commence with the ‘Bhupen-Zubin Quiz,’ an educational and entertaining event celebrating the contributions of Bhupen Hazarika and Zubin Garg. Following this, 11 short films and short documentaries will be screened. Panel discussions featuring industry experts are also scheduled, covering topics like cinema, technology, storytelling, and regional filmmaking.
Awards will be presented across numerous categories to honor cinematic excellence. These include Best Short Film, Best Feature Film, Best Short Documentary, and Best Feature Documentary. Additional accolades will recognize the Best Northeast India Special Award, Best Director, Best Actor (male and female), Best Director of Photography, Best Editing, Best Screenplay, and Best Sound Design. These awards aim to encourage emerging filmmakers and highlight important social issues through the medium of cinema.