MUMBAI: The Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Choudhury Mohan Jatua declared open the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Assamese Cinema at the ongoing 40th International Film Festival of India 2009.

Om Puri was the guest of honour on the occasion. Veteran Assamese actress Gyanada Kakoti, directors Jahnu Barua, Nayan Prasad, Bitopan Baorbora, Santwana Bardoloi and actress Bidya Rao were also present on the occasion along with Government of Assam Cultural Affairs secretary Swapnanil Barua, Assam State Film Finance & Development Corporation chairperson Bobbita Sharma and Directorate of Film Festivals director S. M. Khan attended the function.

Assamese film Joymoti was screened as the opening film. A short film documenting the 75 years of Assamese Cinema was also shown. A special package of five films – Joymoti, Agnisnaan, Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai, Ganga Chilone Pankhi and Aai Kot Nai documenting the journey of Assamese film industry has been included in the 40th IFFI. The screenings will be held till December 03, 2009.

Addressing the press conference, Barua recounted the early struggle of Assamese cinema and hoped that the path would become smoother. He noted that celebrating the Platinum jubilee and documenting the start of the State’s cinematic journey at IFFI marks an important milestone for the Assamese film community.