The second edition of Guwahati Film Festival began at ‘Jyoti Chitraban’ premises in the city on Friday evening with the screening of Om Rout’s acclaimed movie ‘Lokmanya-Ek Yugpurush’.

Organised by Chalachitram, the three-day festival includes showcasing of 75 films along with cinema related discussions and award ceremonies.

The inaugural ceremony was addressed by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s senior prachar pramukh Dr Manmohan Vaidya, award winning Assamese filmmaker Dr Santwana Bardoloi, senior radio artiste Nayan Prasad etc, where distinguished personalities including Pramod Kalita, Pabitra Margherita, Monita Borgohain, Bhagabat Pritam Datta, Basistha Bujarbarua, Amarjyoti Deka, Babita Sarma were present.

Dr Vaidya, while appreciating organisers of the festival insisted on making more movies reflecting Indian pride, heritage and culture. He categorically stated that India is not a land of diverse cultures but a unique culture with the capacity to nurture diversities.

In her address, the Adajya and Majrati Keteki director Dr Bardoloi emphasised on the habit of enjoying serious movies and pointed out that the festival can give the audience an opportunity to watch uncommon films.

Many commended films like Gaur Hari Dastan (directed by Ananta Mahadevan), Ahmedabad’s Bene Israel (Pooshan Agnihotri), Nasty Woman (Ileka Ruwanpathirana), Ruchi Bhedham (Teertha Mythry), Kodesian (Pradeep Nair), The Tea (HA Gayan Madhushanka), Vaishali (Prachi Sharma) etc are listed for screening in the festival. Similarly, Tropical Malady by Suraj Kumar Duwarah, Liakat- It rains in the end (Manjul Boruah), Megh -The Cloud (Kripal Kalita), Takkuti – a Relentless Journey ( Dr Kripanath Pegu), Bathou Open the Door (Anubhav Mahanta), Rearing Eri with Traditional Values (Hemprokash Mout), Happy Birthday Joy (Arunjit Borah) etc are expected to attract the cinema goers.

“There will be a special screening of Ananda Ram Baruah (produced by ABILAC and directed by Amalesh Dasgupta & Dr Swapan Saha) and homage to be paid to five decades of Dr Bezbaruah (directed by Brajen Baruah),” said Utpal Datta, one of the organisers.

State cultural minister Naba Doley and actor turned MLA Angurlata Deka would grace the closing ceremony.