Sri Lanka filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage has slammed US President Donald Trump for his border policies. Addressing an audience of filmmakers and cinephiles in Guwahati, Vithanage spoke against the growing trend of isolationism, emphasizing the need for artistic and cultural connections in an increasingly divided world.

“The tagline of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival is Cinema Beyond Borders. It means a lot for all of us. At a time when US President Donald Trump is building borders, it is our duty to connect people through cinema,” Vithanage said at the inauguration of the first edition of Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) on Friday.

He argued that cinema has the power to bridge differences and bring people together, countering political efforts to build barriers.

Speaking at the event, Vithanage emphasized the power of film as a unifying force and highlighted the importance of fostering artistic connections across borders.

Marking his fourth visit to the Northeast state, Vithanage expressed a sense of “duty towards Assam”, having been honored with the prestigious Biswaratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika International Solidarity Award in 2017, conferred by the Asam Sahitya Sabha. “I am proud to have received an award in the name of Bhupen Hazarika. It makes me feel a special responsibility towards Assam,” he said.

Vithanage spoke highly of Assam’s cinematic talent, sharing his encounters with prominent Assamese filmmakers across the globe. “I have met Assamese filmmakers everywhere – Rima Das in Busan, Shiladitya Bora – and I continue to be inspired by the works of legends like Jahnu Barua,” he remarked. He specifically praised Barua’s critically acclaimed film ‘Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai’, which won multiple awards at the Locarno International Film Festival in 1988, calling it a work of immense artistic depth.

Further acknowledging Assamese cinema, Vithanage described Manju Borah as both a talented filmmaker and a great human being. He also lauded Monita Borgohain, IAS, the Honorary Festival Director of GAFF 2025, for her unwavering passion in organizing the festival. “Let’s say you need 98% passion and 2% madness to put together an event like this,” he said, highlighting the challenges of hosting a film festival without direct government support.

Vithanage then officially inaugurated the festival, setting the stage for a celebration of Asian cinema that promises to bring together filmmakers and audiences from diverse backgrounds.

The Guwahati Asian Film Festival, with its commitment to fostering artistic dialogue and global storytelling, has begun its journey as a vital platform for independent cinema, with Vithanage’s presence adding gravitas to its mission.