The inaugural Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) is set to make its grand debut from February 7-9, 2025, and it will kick off with a powerful cinematic journey. The opening film, In the Arms of the Tree, directed by Babak Khajehpasha, has garnered international recognition as Iran’s official submission for the 97th Academy Awards. This marks a major moment for the festival, which aims to shine a spotlight on the rich diversity and talent of Asian cinema.
About the Opening Film: ‘In the Arms of the Tree’
In the Arms of the Tree is a poignant Iranian film that delves into the complexities of family life and personal crises. The movie follows a married couple who, after twelve years together, find their lives upended by a life-changing crisis that affects their children. Starring Maral Baniadam, Javad Ghamati, and Rouhollah Zamani, the film explores themes of love, loss, and the challenges of navigating through emotional turmoil. Its selection as the opening film of GAFF 2025 highlights the global recognition of Iranian cinema and its powerful storytelling.
The film’s selection as Iran’s submission for the 2024 Oscars showcases its artistic merit and the growing impact of international cinema. With In the Arms of the Tree setting the tone for the festival, GAFF promises a wide array of thought-provoking films from across Asia, offering a diverse selection of stories that highlight the cultural richness of the continent.
GAFF 2025: A Cultural Milestone for Guwahati
The first edition of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival is expected to be a landmark event for the North-Eastern region of India. As a festival dedicated to showcasing Asian cinema, GAFF 2025 will bring together filmmakers, critics, and movie enthusiasts from across the continent. The event will screen a range of films from countries like Turkey, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, China, and more, creating a vibrant platform for cross-cultural exchange.
In addition to international films, GAFF will also celebrate Indian cinema with its Indian Showcase Section, which will feature a curated selection of films representing the diverse and dynamic Indian film industry. This section will offer a glimpse into the many languages, cultures, and regional filmmaking traditions that define India’s cinematic landscape.
North East India Competition Section: Highlighting Regional Talent
One of the standout features of GAFF 2025 will be its North East India Competition Section. This segment will showcase the work of emerging filmmakers from India’s North Eastern region, providing a platform for local talent to gain recognition on the national and international stage. The unique storytelling and diverse cultural influences from this part of India will add a distinctive flavor to the festival, highlighting the vibrant cinema of the North East.
Distinguished Advisory Board and Key Figures
The GAFF Advisory Board comprises several distinguished figures from the Indian and international film fraternity, including renowned film critic and festival advisor Srinivasa Santhanam, national award-winning film critic and filmmaker Utpal Borpujari, and prominent film critic Dalton Christopher. Their expertise and guidance will ensure that the festival presents a high-quality selection of films, setting the stage for a world-class cinematic experience.
GAFF’s Vision for the Future
With its diverse programming, GAFF 2025 aims to position Guwahati as an emerging hub for international cinema in India. The festival seeks to bring together filmmakers, cinephiles, and industry professionals to foster collaboration, discussion, and creative exchange. By showcasing Asian cinema in all its glory, GAFF has the potential to inspire and influence the future of filmmaking in the region.
The opening film In the Arms of the Tree sets a powerful precedent for what promises to be an extraordinary festival. As the festival unfolds, attendees can look forward to an exciting lineup of films, workshops, and discussions that will celebrate the art of cinema and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries.
 will open with the Iranian film In the Arms of the Tree, which was Iran's official submission to the 97th Academy Awards. The festival promises to showcase diverse Asian cinema, including films from India’s North East and a special Indian Showcase Section.){kind=link}