Guwahati, March 23: If 1986 was the dawn of Bodo cinema with Alayaron (The Dawn) winning the Rajat Kamal, 2007 could well prove to be the year of national acquaintance.

To give Bodo cinema the much-needed exposure, the Assam State Film Finance and Development Corporation (ASFDC) has planned a three-day film festival in Calcutta in May with “special focus” on Bodo cinema.

This is the second time in two years that the corporation is hosting a festival outside Assam. Last time, the festival was held at Siri Fort in New Delhi with support from the information and broadcasting ministry and the Directorate of Film Festival.

Barring last-minute changes, the festival will be held in Calcutta’s Nandan on May 4, 5 and 6. On May 7, the festival will move to the Satyajit Ray Film Institute.

“This is the right platform to showcase our rich ethnic culture. We realised this after our experience in Delhi, where people wanted to know more about Assam, its culture and people,” said Bobbeeta Sharma, chairperson, Assam State Film Finance and Development Corporation.

In all, eight films will be screened at the festival, including a Karbi one, with subtitles. But the thrust will be on acquainting the national film fraternity with the Bodo filmmakers. Jahnu Barua is among those who are expected to participate in the festival.

“There are not many Bodo films despite very talented people being associated with them. This festival, therefore, will provide an opportunity to explore new avenues to improve Bodo cinema. It is also the right platform to encourage and motivate filmmakers and artistes,” Sharma added.

Though the Assam State Film Finance and Development Corporation has not yet shortlisted the films that will be taken to the festival, those associated with Bodo cinema said there are not many to choose from.

“Since there are not many Bodo films, we will also include documentaries,” said Sharma.

Some films/documentaries made in Bodo language are award-winning Alayaron (by FTII graduate Jwngdao Bodoso), Jeuni Simang, Hagramaau Jinahari (Rape in the Virgin Forest), a national award-winning short film dealing with environmental problems, Duphang-ni-solo (a documentary made by FTII-graduate Pinky Brahma Choudhury), Gwrwntini Unao, Songali and Kwmsi Lama.

“At least three of them should make the cut,” a source from the Assam Assam State Film Finance and Development Corporation said.

Film critics, too, are excited about the festival.

“Such festivals are not about only how many films will be screened. The interactive sessions at such festivals for creative pursuits are equally important. It is a very significant move. To my mind, this is the first time that Bodo films will be showcased in such a manner,” the critic added.