The Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival (BVFF) has deferred its landmark 10th edition to 2026 in a heartfelt tribute to the late music icon Zubeen Garg. Originally scheduled for December 4-7, 2025, the festival will now allow the region time to mourn one of its most beloved cultural figures.
Garg, who passed away recently, was a towering presence in the arts with over 38,000 songs spanning 40 languages. Beyond music, he was a filmmaker and humanitarian, whose voice and vision shaped generations across the Northeast and the country.
“His passing is not just a loss for Assam, but for every individual who found their rhythm and identity through his art. As a festival rooted in this land and its people, it doesn't feel right to celebrate when the heart of our culture is in mourning. This year, we pause to remember, to reflect and to honour him,” said Festival Director Tanushree Hazarika.
The decision followed extensive consultations with the festival’s core team, advisors, and stakeholders, all sharing in the grief of losing Zubeen. “We are deeply grateful to our filmmakers, partners, and audience for their understanding and continued support. BVFF is a celebration of creativity, community, and the stories that bring us together. While this year is a time for pause, we look ahead to returning stronger, with the same passion for meaningful cinema and cultural exchange,” added Creative Director Pallavi Chumki Barua.
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Technical Director Samujjal Kashyap described the postponement as a deeply personal loss. “The 10th edition of BVFF was meant to be a milestone year for us, and it still will be. But right now, it is a time for reflection. Having had the opportunity to work closely with Zubeen Da, it is a very personal loss. And this isn't just me who is feeling it, it's the entire state, region, country and even people who knew nothing about how great a soul he was that are feeling this great void left behind with his passing,” he said.
Filmmakers who submitted works for the 10th edition have been assured full refunds. Submissions made online will be reimbursed through the platform, while offline entrants will be contacted individually by BVFF staff to complete the process.
As one of Assam’s most prominent cultural events, BVFF has grown over a decade into a platform celebrating the stories, creativity, and heritage of the Northeast. This year, however, the festival chooses to pause, underscoring the enduring influence of Zubeen Garg on the region’s artistic and cultural landscape.
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