Guwahati: The 10th edition of the Chalachitram National Film Festival (CNFF-2026) will bring together filmmakers, critics and cinema enthusiasts from across eastern India as it showcases 45 selected short films in competitive and non-competitive sections at the Jyoti Chitraban Film Society premises in Kahilipara on October 24 and 25.
Organised by Chalachitram, a subsidiary of Vishwa Samvad Kendra (VSK) Assam, the two-day festival is centered on the theme “Our Heritage, Our Pride”, highlighting films that celebrate India’s rich civilizational legacy, cultural traditions and national spirit. The festival will be inaugurated by National Award-winning filmmaker Dr. Santwana Bardoloi on October 24.
The festival will also witness the release of “Chalachitram,” a souvenir edited by senior cine journalist Hemchandra Doley. Festival organisers, including Kishor Shivam, Secretary of VSK Assam, Nava Thakuria, President of CNFF-2026, and Bhagawat Pritam, Festival Secretary, expressed confidence that the event will further strengthen the region’s vibrant film culture while promoting narratives rooted in India’s heritage and values.
A distinguished preview committee comprising acclaimed director Jhulan Krishna Mahanta, veteran filmmaker Bibhu Dutta, cinematographer Hiten Thakuria, sound engineer Dipak Dutta and noted singer Babita Sharma selected the films for screening. Winners across eight categories have already been chosen by an independent jury panel and will be honoured with trophies, certificates and cash awards during the closing ceremony on October 25. Assam Cabinet Minister Nilima Devi is expected to attend the valedictory function along with eminent personalities from the film fraternity.
As part of the pre-festival outreach programme, special screenings of award-winning short films and documentaries from last year’s festival package were held at Nirmal Haloi College, Patacharkuchi, and Nalbari College, introducing students to meaningful cinematic works. A special screening of “Bhupen Da Uncut,” directed by noted filmmaker Bobbeeta Sharma, will be organized to commemorate the birth centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika.