Hyderabad, Jan 12: The third edition of the Niri9 International Film Festival was successfully inaugurated today at Raj Bhavan Samskruti Auditorium, Hyderabad by marking the beginning of a vibrant two-day celebration of cinema, creativity, and powerful storytelling.

The grand inaugural programme set an inspiring tone for the festival, bringing together filmmakers, artists, cultural icons, and cinema enthusiasts from across the country.

The opening ceremony witnessed the gracious presence of several eminent dignitaries including acclaimed national award-winning bolywood actor Seema Biswas,Telugu Filmmaker S.V.Krishna Reddy, legendary singer and cultural icon Lou Majaw, internationally renowned performer Carlyta Mouhini, former Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, Shri Ajit Borthakur, LLR Kishor Babu, Executive Director Telangana Film Development Corporation, along with prominent filmmakers and creative professionals from the Telugu and Assamese film industry, thereby, adding immense prestige and to the festival’s opening day.

On the occasion the official souvenir of Niri9 International Film Festival was also unveiled by Hon’ble Cinematography Minister of Governor minister K. Venkat Reddy through a video message, the souvenir was edited by Jitu Roymedhi.

These festivals are immersive cultural experiences. The inaugural ceremony featured Kuchipudi and Sattriya dance forms followed by spiritual songs both in Telugu and Assamese language by assamese singer Manisha Bordoloi, thereby setting the tone for two days of cinematic celebration of diversity, bringing together films from different parts of India, and beyond.

In her Welcome address, Festival Director Dr Junmani Devi Khaund stated, “Niri9 is a platform born out of the belief that stories have the power to heal, question, and unite. This festival is not just about films, but about voices that deserve to be heard and narratives that need space.” Dr Khaund also expressed heartfelt gratitude to all supporters, collaborators, artists, and partners who made the festival possible, while warmly welcoming all dignitaries, filmmakers, and guests to Hyderabad for this cinematic celebration.

Over the two days, selected films, at the Prasad Film Labs, Hyderabad, will compete across multiple categories including Feature Film, Short Film, Shorter Film, and Documentary. Day 1 and Day 2 will witness back-to-back screenings of officially selected movies like Dahini, Juiphool, Kuhipat, Ghar, Dhonguloi, The Elephant Haven, Golden Thread, Papa, Chori, Ilish, Abaseshot, Manitha Subhavam, Character, Beyond The Unfinished, The Ugly Green Planet, Omnipresent, Shesh Chithi, Paa among the competitive category and critically acclaimed film Kooki, and the internationally acclaimed feature film The Voice of Hind Rajab in the non competitive segment..

This festival is among those 15 film festivals across the world which gives cash awards to inspire the film makers, The festival will award cash prizes amounting to ₹4,30,000, along with special recognitions and individual awards. The most coveted honour, the Dr Zubeen Garg Memorial Award for Best Feature Film, will be presented to the outstanding feature film of the festival.

With tremendous enthusiasm among participants and viewers, Day 2 on 11th January promises to be even bigger, featuring more compelling screenings, interactive sessions, and the much-awaited awards ceremony where celebrated artist, directors and producers of Telugu Assamese and Hindi film industry along with responsible government officers if Telangana government will remain present, as the Niri9 International Film Festival continues to celebrate cinema that connects, challenges, and transforms.