Guwahati witnessed the commencement of preparations for the highly anticipated fifth edition of the Chitrabharati Film Festival, the largest short film and documentary competition and festival in South East Asia. The festival’s poster was officially launched at a ceremony held at the Guwahati Press Club. Notable figures in the film industry, including Rajen Rajkhowa, President of the North East Film and TV Technicians Association; Subanu Bora, an acclaimed filmmaker and General Secretary of the Assam Cultural Journalists Association; Kinkini Bhattacharya, a promising young actress from the film “Dr. Bezbarua 2”; and Utpal Datta, a renowned film critic and President of Chalachitram, graced the event and participated in the poster release.
During the ceremony, Utpal Datta, who presided over the event, addressed the journalists, shedding light on the purpose and objectives of the Chitrabharati Film Festival. He emphasized the need for greater participation from Assam, stating that the state’s representation in this significant event for documentaries and short films, which is organized with a specific vision and mission, is currently minimal. He encouraged filmmakers from Assam to seize the opportunity to participate in the festival and showcase their work to a wider audience.
Recognizing the influential role of films in disseminating information and providing entertainment to the masses, a group of like-minded film enthusiasts founded Bharatiya Chitra Sadhana in 2016. The organization aims to promote films that embody positive and constructive messages while promoting Indian values and philosophy.
Film associations from various states across India are affiliated with the Chitrabharati Film Festival and often organize their own film festivals. A panel of renowned filmmakers and producers selects films from the competition, and these chosen films, along with the award-winning entries, are screened during the Chitrabharati Film Festival. The festival also offers master classes on diverse subjects, providing students with the opportunity to interact with esteemed personalities from the film industry.
The fifth edition of the Chitrabharati Film Festival is scheduled to take place from February 23 to 25 in Panchkula, Haryana. Filmmakers interested in participating in the competition must submit their films by September. The festival’s main themes revolve around women empowerment, employment, harmony, environment, future India, tribal society, rural development, and Vasudeva Kutumbkam. Additionally, there is a special category dedicated to children’s films, focusing on Brave Children, Innovations in Children’s Education, and Moral Education.
The competition consists of several categories, each with its own set of awards. In Category A, which includes short films with a maximum length of 30 minutes, the Best Film will receive a prize of Rs. 1 lakh, while the Best Director and Best Male and Female Actors will receive Rs. 50,000 each. The second prize for Best Film in this category is Rs. 50,000, and the third prize is Rs. 25,000.
Category B is dedicated to documentaries, with a maximum duration of 45 minutes. The Best Film in this category will receive Rs. 1 lakh, while the runner-up will receive Rs. 50,000. The third and fourth prizes for Best Film are Rs. 25,000 each.
For children’s films in Category C, with a maximum length of 20 minutes, the first prize is Rs. 50,000, the second prize is Rs. 25,000, and the third prize is Rs. 15,000.
Category D focuses on campus films, limited to 20 minutes. This category only accepts short films. In Category D, prizes are divided into two subcategories: Film Education Institutions and Professional Students (Category A) and Amateur Students (Category B). The first prize for Best Film in both subcategories is Rs. 50,000, followed by a second prize of Rs. 25,000. Additional awards include Best Director, Best Male Actor, and Best Female Actor, each receiving Rs. 15,000. All cash prizes will be accompanied by trophies and certificates.
Further information about the competition can be found on the official Chitrabharati.org website.
