‘The Silent Crisis’ on Vulture Conservation Screened 10th Chalachitram Film Festival

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The documentary ‘The Silent Crisis’, directed by Pratidin Time Director Smitakshi B. Goswami, was screened on the opening day of the 10th Chalachitram National Film Festival 2026 at Jyoti Chitraban in Kahilipara, Guwahati, on Saturday.

The two-day festival, organised by Chalachitram, an associate organisation of Vishwa Samvad Kendra-Assam, is showcasing more than 44 selected documentaries and short films under the theme ‘Our Heritage, Our Pride’.

‘The Silent Crisis’ focuses on vulture conservation and breeding, highlighting the efforts of Phuleswari Dutta, an Assam Gaurav awardee from Dhakuakhana, who has been working to protect vultures in her backyard despite facing ridicule from neighbours.

The documentary was conceptualised and scripted by Goswami. Rupjyoti Bhattacharjee handled cinematography, while Dibyajyoti Buragohain served as drone operator. Hiten Thakuria was the director of photography, Rajiv Kashyap composed the music, Rajiv Hazarika edited the film, and Jaydeep Narayan Dev worked on the subtitles.

Other films screened on the opening day included Raj Basanta Singhi’s ‘Atut Unbroken’ and the Japanese film ‘Kintsugi’, which explores a salaryman’s childhood trauma, emotional struggles and eventual acceptance of death.

The festival opened with a ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Jyoti Chitraban, chairman of Bidyasagar, and other dignitaries. Senior journalist and festival president Nava Thakuria delivered the welcome address, while a souvenir titled Chalachitram was released.

Filmmaker Dr Santwana Bardoloi, actor Beena Baruwati and other cultural and media personalities attended the event. A special screening of Bobbeeta Sharma’s documentary ‘Bhupen Da Uncut’ is also scheduled to honour Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika during his birth centenary year.

Also Read: 10th Chalachitram Film Festival to Begin Saturday, Japanese Film ‘Kintsugi’ to Open Event