Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Presence Elevates a Glorious Celebration of Storytelling and Creativity in BVFF

The Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival (BVFF) continued its magnificent journey on Day 3 at Jyoti Chitraban Film Studio, Guwahati, weaving together powerful stories, masterclasses by industry stalwarts, and heartfelt creative exchanges that left the audience spellbound. The day was made even more special by the presence of acclaimed filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia, whose insightful session on crafting small-town narratives captivated attendees and added unparalleled depth to the festival. His involvement elevated the festival, leaving an indelible mark on both aspiring filmmakers and the audience.
Day 3 began with Bobby Sharma’s Tiwa feature film If Only Trees Could Talk (Sikaisal), a deeply moving portrayal of Maheshwar Patar, a teacher whose relentless dedication to education and community transformation resonated profoundly with viewers. The momentum carried forward with evocative screenings of Zimmedari Umeed Azadi Sandyeep (Echoes of Everything) by Garvit Singh, Langdai Ama (The Junction), and Shoojit Sircar’s Sardar Udham. Making its theatrical debut at the festival, the hauntingly beautiful retelling of Udham Singh’s fight for justice stood out as the day’s undeniable highlight.
Adding layers of depth to the cinematic experience, short films and documentaries such as Teens of 1942 and Utpal Borpujari’s Baruar Xonxar showcased the transformative power of storytelling, offering audiences both historical reflection and emotional resonance.
Masterclasses: A Gateway to Creative Inspiration
The day also hosted masterclasses by cinematic visionaries who ignited the creative aspirations of attendees.
● Tigmanshu Dhulia, renowned for Paan Singh Tomar and Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster, and known for his acting in films like Gangs of Wasseypur, shared valuable insights on creating compelling small-town narratives that connect with audiences worldwide.
● Visionary visual artist Sidhant Gandhi (Toosid) conducted a groundbreaking session on integrating AI into cinema, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.
● Renowned actress and playwright Sneha Desai captivated aspiring screenwriters with her journey, from creating beloved TV shows like Wagle Ki Duniya to working on critically acclaimed films like Maharaj and Laapata Ladies.
Adding to the festival’s charm, the highlight of the day was the BVFF Reel Talk session featuring Abhishek Chaubey, Anvita Dutt, and Navdeep Singh as they reunited for the Skeptic Tank discussion.
Anticipation for the Grand Finale
As the festival nears its conclusion, the excitement continues to build. Day 4 promises to be a cinematic feast with screenings of Jacques Demy’s The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Rima Das’s Village Rockstars 2, and Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning All We Imagine as Light.
With over 30 films, thought-provoking discussions, and the much-anticipated presence of luminaries like Leena Yadav, Nitin Baid, Sandeep Modi, and Shreya Dev Dube, the stage is set for Day 4 to be a spectacular finale—an unforgettable culmination of creativity and conversation.
Festival Director Tanushree Hazarika’s vision of celebrating the transformative power of storytelling has been the guiding force behind BVFF’s success. Reflecting on Day 3, she said, “The stories we have witnessed today not only moved us but also reinforced the importance of storytelling as a bridge to understanding and empathy. It has been an unforgettable day, paving the way for a grand finale that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark.”
As BVFF enters its final act, the cinematic community and audiences alike are reminded of the festival’s unwavering commitment to honoring creativity, sparking meaningful conversations, and celebrating the shared human experience.