Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation’s (ASFFDC) cinema hall called ‘Aideo’ in Guwahati on Monday.
CM Sarma also released the National Award-winning film ‘Anunad: The Resonance’.
“The time has come for a comprehensive transformation of Assamese Cinema – from our digital infrastructure to the very language and narratives of our films,” stated Chief Minister Sarma.
He stressed that the Assamese film industry must embrace modern techniques, including better graphics, motion, and other elements, to compete in today’s dynamic cinematic landscape.
Chief Minister Sarma drew attention to the disparity between Assamese cinema and its counterparts in South India and Bollywood. He noted that while South Indian cinema has been successful in incorporating beautiful art techniques, Assamese cinema has often adhered to traditional performance approaches, making it challenging to attract a broader audience.
Citing recent developments in the film industry, Chief Minister Sarma referenced an interview with a cinema hall director. The director pointed out that, post-COVID, people have increased their movie consumption significantly. Contrary to initial concerns that OTT platforms would overshadow cinema halls, both have witnessed simultaneous growth.
“There is no shortage of cinema audiences, but if Assamese cinema lags behind in terms of quality, we cannot compel the audience to invest in cinema halls,” Chief Minister Sarma asserted. He expressed the need for a competitive mindset within the Assamese film industry to ensure its relevance and appeal.
In its Golden Jubilee Year, ASFFDC has taken up the construction of five new halls and the renovation of nine existing ones.
It has also extended assistance to 56 regional language film makers and helped 239 artists through its Artist Welfare Corpus Fund.
Earlier, CM Sarma attended a “Youth Leadership Conclave 2024” organised by the Pragya Foundation at the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra International Auditorium in the Panjabari area of Guwahati.
The event was held in conjunction with the birth anniversary of the great philosopher and monk Swami Vivekananda.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma referred to Swami Vivekananda as one of the greatest thinkers and philosophers of all time to have been born in the Indian subcontinent and said that his teachings remain relevant in the 21st century as well.
He said Swami Vivekananda’s undying faith in the innate qualities of Indian civilization and culture continues to motivate youths of this generation.
