The Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) is an annual event dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the diverse cinematic traditions of Asia. By highlighting the creativity and stories of both established and emerging filmmakers, the Guwahati Asian Film Festival serves as a significant cultural event, contributing to the global appreciation of Asian cinema.​

​The Guwahati Asian Film Festival anticipates vibrant participation from Asian countries. The festival promises to celebrate the diversity of Asian cinema, featuring a dynamic selection of films that showcase unique cultural narratives and innovative storytelling, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and appreciation among filmmakers and audiences.

Awards & Prizes

AWARDS FOR INDIAN SHOWCASE

Best Indian Film
• Cash Prize (to be shared by Producer & Director)
• Award Trophy

Second best Indian film
• Cash Prize (to be shared by Producer & Director)
• Award Trophy

NE Special Spotlight Award
• Cash Prize (to be shared by Producer & Director)
• Award Trophy

Jury Special Mention Awards

INDIAN SHORTS SPOTLIGHT AWARDS

Best Indian Short
• Cash Prize (to be shared by Producer & Director)
• Award Trophy

Best Director
• Cash Prize
• Award Trophy

Jury Special Mention Awards

Rules & Terms

Asian Cinema (Feature)
• Films completed on or after September 1, 2024 are eligible.
• Films submitted in earlier editions of GAFF are not eligible.
• Only films with a duration of more than 70 minutes are eligible.
• Entries accepted in all Asian languages (with English subtitles).
• Open to filmmakers from across Asia, and non-Asian filmmakers whose films highlight Asian culture.
• For non-Asian filmmakers, at least one producer must be of Asian origin.
• Indian censor certificate not required, but selected films are subject to CBFC clearance.

Indian Showcase (Competition & Non-Competition)
• Films must be in any Indian language (with English subtitles).
• Duration: more than 70 minutes.
• Films completed on or after January 1, 2025 are eligible.
• Films submitted in earlier editions of GAFF are not eligible.
• In exceptional cases, a non-competitive film may be moved to competition with jury recommendation and filmmaker’s consent.

North East India Cinema
• Films must be in North East Indian languages (with English subtitles).
• Duration: more than 70 minutes.
• Films completed on or after January 1, 2025 are eligible.
• Films submitted in earlier editions of GAFF are not eligible.
• 3 selected films from this category will compete in Indian Showcase Competition; others in non-competitive section.

Indian Shorts Spotlight
• Films must be in any Indian language (with English subtitles).
• Duration: less than 30 minutes (including end credits).
• Films completed on or after January 1, 2025 are eligible.

Asian Shorts Spotlight
• Films completed on or after September 1, 2024 are eligible.
• Films submitted in earlier GAFF editions are not eligible.
• Duration: less than 30 minutes.
• Entries accepted in all Asian languages (with English subtitles).
• Open to Asian filmmakers and non-Asian filmmakers focusing on Asian culture.
• For non-Asian filmmakers, at least one producer must be of Asian origin.
• Indian censor certificate not required, but selected films are subject to CBFC clearance.

General Submission Rules (Applicable to All Categories)
• All entry fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
• Selected films must confirm participation and submit required promotional materials within 7 days of notification.
• Once confirmed, selected films cannot be withdrawn.
• Upon selection, submitters must provide both DCP and MP4 files with English subtitles.
• All selection decisions are final, and GAFF is not obligated to provide feedback.
• Submitted films must not contain any content that infringes or violates copyright.
• The Festival reserves the right to exclude films that:
o Do not align with festival aims
o May offend national sentiments or sensitivities
o Promote racial discrimination
• GAFF reserves the right to use posters, video clips, and trailers of selected films for promotional purposes.
• By submitting, the applicant confirms they are the rightful owner or have authority to submit the film and indemnifies GAFF against any legal claims.
• For films produced by organizations/institutions, written permission via email from the concerned authority is required upon selection.

For any queries, please contact us at contact@gaff.co.in

8 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • K Hung

    My film is related to an Indian community in Hong Kong. Therefore, I was looking for a film festival in India to screen my film. I am so glad that my film can be screened in Guwahati Asian Film Festival. I was impressed by the effort and passion of the entire festival team. They have a strong intention to organise a good film festival. The program and activities are well curated. I had the chance to meet with various filmmakers, critics, and audiences in India. I watch lots of good Indian movies. The festival team put lots of effort into communication. The hospitality is great. I had a great time in Guwahati! Thanks to GAFF!

    February 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much for your kind note. It was a pleasure meeting you at the festival, and we hope to welcome you again in our future editions.

  • Bishal Swargiary

    It was an amazing experience to be part of such an esteemed festival.

    February 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much. Wishing you all the very best, and may you continue to achieve great success in all your future endeavours.

  • Victoria Film

    lovely film festival ! warm hospitality

    January 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much, and congratulations on winning the Indian Showcase Best Film Award 2026! Wishing you all the very best for your future endeavours.

  • Aaryan Chandra Prakash

    I had a beautiful experience at GAFF, and I feel the Guwahati Asian Film Festival has the potential to grow into an important space for cinema in India and across Asia. Asia is incredibly diverse and community-oriented, and its films often reveal ways of life we don’t usually get to see. Festivals like GAFF feel necessary because they create room for these voices and perspectives.

    I was especially glad to interact with the Festival Director, Monita Ma’am. She comes across as grounded, attentive, and deeply sensitive to detail, an approach that feels rare and inspiring within the system.

    The entire GAFF team was equally warm and thoughtful. From communication and hospitality to the way things were managed on the ground and at the venue, everything was handled with care.

    My sincere thanks to the whole team, including Jyoti, Suman, and everyone involved, for creating such a welcoming environment.

    GAFF will remain a warm and memorable experience for me.

    January 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your generous and thoughtful words. We’re truly grateful for your encouragement and glad GAFF could offer a meaningful and welcoming experience. Your appreciation means a lot to our entire team and we sincerely hope to stay connected and cross paths again in future editions.

  • Pankaj Borah

    Heartfelt thanks to the Guwahati Asian Film Festival for organizing the festival in such a brilliant and seamless manner. Every detail reflected the passion, hard work, and vision behind it. The dedication and commitment of the entire organizing team truly deserve special appreciation. Grateful to have witnessed such a well-curated celebration of cinema.

    January 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much for your kind and encouraging words. We’re truly grateful for your appreciation and are glad GAFF could be a memorable experience for you. Your support means a lot to our entire team.