Arnab Laha Selected — Arnab Laha, a talented filmmaker and alumnus of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), has made Kolkata and India proud by becoming the only Indian selected among 24 emerging Asian filmmakers for the prestigious CHANEL × BIFF Asian Film Academy (AFA) at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).
This recognition highlights not only Laha’s storytelling ability and cinematic vision but also the global reach of Indian independent cinema in the contemporary Asian creative landscape.
Arnab Laha Selected: A Global Platform for Asian Talent
The CHANEL × BIFF Asian Film Academy is one of the most sought-after learning platforms for emerging Asian filmmakers. Held annually during the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea, the academy selects 24 promising filmmakers from across Asia through a competitive process. The program offers masterclasses, mentorships with world-renowned directors and technicians, and a unique opportunity to produce short films in collaboration with peers.
Laha’s selection places him among a distinguished group of filmmakers shaping the future of Asian cinema. His participation underscores India’s growing cultural presence in global film education platforms.
From Kolkata to Busan: The Journey of Arnab Laha
Arnab Laha graduated from SRFTI with a specialization in film direction and screenplay writing. During his time at the institute, he was known for his sensitivity toward complex narratives and strong visual storytelling. His student projects, which often dealt with themes of identity, memory, and marginalization, garnered praise from faculty and visiting filmmakers alike.
Speaking to peers before his departure for Busan, Laha said, “This opportunity is not just about learning; it’s about engaging with other filmmakers from across Asia who bring entirely different cinematic traditions. It’s a place to unlearn and relearn.”
SRFTI: A Consistent Contributor to Global Cinema
Established in 1995 and named after legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, SRFTI is widely recognized as one of the top film schools in Asia. It has consistently produced filmmakers who have gone on to make a mark at international film festivals such as Cannes, Berlinale, and Venice.
Notable SRFTI alumni like Modhura Palit (Cinematographer, Angshumaner Chhobi), Saurav Rai (Director, Gudh), and Dominic Sangma (Ma.Ama, Rapture) have all participated in major global film circuits. Arnab Laha is now part of this lineage of storytellers who are redefining Indian cinema on the world stage.
Indian Cinema’s Quiet Surge at Busan
Arnab’s inclusion in the 2025 cohort aligns with a broader trend of Indian cinema’s growing recognition at BIFF. This year’s Asian Project Market — the co-production and pitching section of BIFF — features a number of Indian projects, including Difficult Daughters backed by Alia Bhatt and Payal Kapadia, and upcoming features by Saurav Rai and Biplob Sarkar.
These selections reflect the shift in global attention from mainstream Bollywood productions to independent, regionally rooted narratives with strong auteur voices. Indian filmmakers are increasingly being seen as collaborative partners in Asian and international co-productions.
Busan: A Hub for Creative Exchange
The Busan International Film Festival, held annually in South Korea, is widely regarded as Asia’s premier film festival. It serves as a launching pad for new talents and a forum for discussing the challenges facing Asian cinema today. The CHANEL × BIFF Asian Film Academy, now in its 20th year, plays a key role in training and networking future cinematic voices.
Through the program, participants gain not only academic guidance but also practical exposure to global film markets, equipment labs, and production environments. At the end of the program, the short films created during the academy are screened at the festival.
Laha’s Vision and Aspirations
While the full details of the project Arnab Laha will work on at the academy are under wraps, those close to him suggest he is interested in exploring contemporary stories set in urban and semi-urban India that reflect on dislocation, mental health, and emotional alienation. He is known for blending realism with lyrical narrative forms, often using silence and spatial composition as critical storytelling tools.
Peers at SRFTI recall him as introspective, meticulous, and fiercely independent — qualities that could thrive in the collaborative yet artistically demanding environment of Busan’s academy.
Recognition of Regional and Independent Voices
Laha’s achievement is also symbolic of a larger recognition of regional voices in Indian cinema. As India’s metropolitan and non-metropolitan stories continue to gain visibility, the need for platforms like BIFF becomes even more crucial.
His selection challenges the traditional hierarchies that often dominate the Indian film industry and points to a more inclusive, global approach to storytelling — one that values authenticity and experimentation over commercial viability.
Moving Forward: What This Means for Indian Cinema
Arnab Laha’s participation at BIFF could pave the way for future collaborations and co-productions. It also opens doors for more Indian students from premier film schools to engage in global learning environments. Additionally, it showcases Kolkata as a nurturing ground for original cinematic thought, thanks in large part to institutions like SRFTI.
As India pushes for a more prominent role in the global creative economy, the recognition of voices like Arnab’s affirms the strength of its cultural capital and the continuing legacy of visionary storytellers from Bengal.
External References
- Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI)
- Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) Official Website
- Asian Project Market at BIFF
- List of BIFF Alumni and Their Contributions
- Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning journey
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