Star-studded Guwahati fest to promote northeast cinema

Guwahati, April 24 (IANS) Top Indian filmmakers and actors will attend a three-day northeast film festival beginning here on Friday where as many as 10 movies from the region will be screened, a release said.

The third edition of the Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival will feature directors Rajkumar Hirani ("PK", "3 Idiots") and Shimit Amin of "Chak De India" fame.

"The featured directors will be accompanied by National Award winning actor Rajkumar Rao, popularly known for his roles in 'Shahid', 'Citylights', 'Queen' and 'Kai Po Che'. The dashing and charismatic actor Kunal Kapoor from 'Rang De Basanti' fame will also attend the festival this year," the organisers, Guwahati-based Tattva Creations Pvt Ltd Said in a statement.

The festival will have movie screenings of the featured directors, regional movies, audience interaction sessions, workshops and panel discussions on topics related to films, award ceremony and cultural performances.

Organisers received over a hundred shorts films as entries from across northeast.

"Out of all the entries, the top 10 will be screened at the film festival and the top three winners will be awarded prizes over Rs.250,000 along with the scope to work with one of the premier directors of national repute," the release said.

The aim of the fest is to promote northeast cinema and providing networking platform for regional film makers.

"This year, renowned filmmaker from Assam, Reema Kagti ('Talash'), Ronnie Lahiri, producer of alternative cinema 'Madras Cafe' and 'Vicky Donor' along with Bobbeeta Sarma, chairperson, Assam State Film Finance and Development Corporation are the honorary advisors of the festival who have helped in bringing the festival into shape," said the statement.