Guwahati: Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday said the state government is drafting a policy for the regional films of Assam.

Attending the seventh Assam State Film Awards ceremony, organised by Assam State Film (finance and development) Corporation Ltd, in collaboration with the cultural affairs department at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra here.

Attending the function here on Saturday, filmmakers Prakash Jha and Amol Palekar underscored the need of a proper policy for the development of the Assamese film industry.

"The policy is being prepared to give mileage to the film industry and ensure development of all artistes and technicians," Sonowal said.

The chief minister appealed to Assam's film fraternity to play an active role in implementing the Centre's Act East policy and develop a strong bond with Southeast Asia.

"All artistes and technicians have to work with a clear vision. The new generation has to work with a competitive mind. Only then, our film industry will flourish. We can spread awareness against superstitions through our films," he added.

Sonowal also conferred the Pramathesh Barua Lifetime Achievement award on singer Dwipen Barua and actress Mridula Barua for the year 2015-16 and 29016-17, respectively. For the first time, the Jayanta Hazarika Memorial award was conferred on music director duo Jitu-Tapan.

Village Rockstars, which bagged the Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) Award in the 65th National Film Awards for 2017, was screened at the Srimanta Madhabdev auditorium at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra here on Sunday. It got overwhelming response from the audience.