Nazreen Ahmed, managing director of the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation, addresses mediapersons on the film festival at Shilpgram on Wednesday. Picture by Eastern Projections

Guwahati, Dec. 31: Anyone interested in a feast of the best cinematic samples from the region, take a ride to Shilpgram on Friday.

The first-ever Northeast Filmfest, being billed as the “most comprehensive” celluloid experience ever, will open its gates at the crafts village and lay out its fare for enthusiasts, aficionados and the plain curious — free of cost.

On offer will be 34 films — some by veteran directors, others by the young. Each telling a tale from the Northeast — of youths caught in insurgency, or animals caught in a vicious manmade cycle. Of course, the menu will include films by eminent directors Jahnu Barua of Assam and Aribam Syam Sharma of Manipur.

“This will be the most comprehensive Northeast film festival ever. A total of 34 films from seven states of the region will be screened during the three-day festival. All these films had earlier got entries either in national and international film festivals,” Bobbeeta Sarma, the chairperson of the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation, said today.

Organised under the aegis of North East Zonal Cultural Centre, Dimapur, the festival will be inaugurated by chief minister Tarun Gogoi at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, with actress Nandita Das as the guest of honour.

There will be no entry fee for the screenings at Shilpgram auditorium.

“We shall be showing Mr Manipur by Aribam Shyam Sarma, a film on how an HIV-infected man lives with courage. The Quest for the Brahmaputra by Jahnu Barua is about the mighty river and its bond with the people of Assam. Apart from acclaimed filmmakers, the festival will also give a chance to new directors,” Sarma said.

Some of the films by the younger filmmakers are only 10-20 minutes long.

“The entire idea of organising the film festival is promote the habit of watching good films. People here hardly get a chance to watch a package of 34 movies in a single platform,” Sarma said.

The Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation is trying to give a boost to the Assamese film industry by creating employment opportunities, she said.

The corporation has submitted a few proposals to Dispur that are expected to be approved in 2009.

“It is a very encouraging that the New Year will begin with a film festival. I will definitely watch all the films, since I may not get such an opportunity in future,” Rajib Das, a film buff said.