Sri Vijaya Puram, May 22: The first ever month long ‘Weekend Film Festival-‘Chalchitra Andaman Nicobar Film Festival – 2026’, being organised by the Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism, A&N Administration, in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) began in the Anthropological Auditorium, Sri Vijaya Puram here this evening.
The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, declared the Film Festival open as the chief guest in the presence of the Commissioner-cum-Secretary, IP&T, Ms Chanchal Yadav, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Ms Purva Garg, IAS, other senior officers from Administration, Ms Shivangi Singh & Shri. Rahul Kale, Mumbai based Filmmakers and film enthusiasts who gathered at the auditorium.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Chief Secretary said that this initiative of Weekend Film Festival would help create a vibrant environment for cinema lovers and encourage appreciation of meaningful films and storytelling among audiences. Acknowledging the support extended by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in organising this film festival, the Chief Secretary said workshops on filmmaking techniques will be conducted in collaboration of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) as well. Highlighting the broader vision behind the initiative, the Chief Secretary said efforts would be made to make the film festival a regular feature in the islands. He further noted that the natural beauty of these Islands has immense potential for filmmaking and our Islands should find place in film making of the country.
Expressing happiness that language is no barrier for the Islanders, the Chief Secretary informed that films of different languages will be screened during this weekend film festival, which will be held every Friday and Saturday till June 21, 2026. He urged the film enthusiasts to not only enjoy the screening of the films but also actively participate in the workshops to be organised on different aspects of film making.
The festival features screenings of acclaimed films along with interactive sessions and workshops aimed at nurturing interest in cinema and filmmaking among local audiences and youth.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Naresh Chander Lall, Padma Shri Awardee, and also Board Member, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) congratulated the Administration for its initiatives in promoting literature, art, tourism and cinema in these Islands and said that the Andaman & Nicobar Islands hold immense potential as a destination for film-related activities and cinematic tourism. He urged the Administration for developing dedicated shooting infrastructure and equipment support to attract filmmakers from across the country.
Earlier welcoming the gathering, the Director, IP&T, Shri Vinayak Chamadia, IAS emphasized that the event is not merely about screening films for entertainment, but about harnessing cinema as a powerful medium of expression, ideation, and creativity. He said, the festival aims to spark discussions around filmmaking while highlighting the Islands’ unique geography, heritage, and geo-heritage, which make them an attractive destination for film shoots. He said, the existing film shooting policy is being revamped to strengthen this ecosystem and encourage more productions in the region.
He also expressed gratitude to the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) for partnering in the screenings of this film festival.
A cult-classic 1983 Hindi-language satirical black comedy, directed by Kundan Shah- ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’ was screened today. The following acclaimed and award-winning films will be screened tomorrow in the Anthropological Auditorium, Sri Vijaya Puram:
23rd May 2026 (Saturday) 11:00 AM onwards: “Salaam Bombay!” (First Show)
23rd May 2026 (Saturday) 05:00 PM onwards: “RRR” (Second Show)