Guwahati, October 28 (PTI): The first edition of Guwahati International Film Festival was kicked off on a grand note today with the screening of Oscar-winning movie The Salesman, a joint collaboration of Iran and France. As many as 78 films from 35 nations would be showcased at the fest over the next six days. Turkey being the "focus country" this year, cine lovers would be treated to five gems from the land, including Ember directed by Zeki Demirkubuz, Yarim by Cagil Nurhak Aydogdu and Toz Bezi by Ahu Ozturk. Inaugurating the festival, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, "Cinema is a strong medium that reflects the philosophy of life... It also plays an important role in transforming the society." The government has decided to make the festival an annual event, the chief minister said. "Assamese film industry is plagued with various problems. The government is preparing a roadmap to strengthen infrastructure to give the industry a major impetus," Sonowal said. He also announced the establishment of a State School of Drama on the lines of the National School of Drama for preserving theatrical traditions here. The inaugural function was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Iranian Ambassador to India Gholamreza Ansari, Czech Republic Ambassador to India Milan Hovorka and other eminent film personalities such as Jahnu Barua and Shaji N Karun. "Despite many similarities between Iran and India, a potential for joint film productions has not been explored much," Ansari said. The fest has been organised by state government-owned Jyoti Chitraban (Film Studio) Society in association with Dr Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film and Television Institute. Besides films from Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Argentina, Poland, Croatia, Serbia, Belgium, and the US, six Iranian films that have made a mark would also find screen time at the fest. The GIFF would also showcase Indian Panorama, Retrospectives and films from the northeast, including four films by Jahnu Baruah - Hkhagoroloi Bohu door, Ajeyo, Halodhiya Choraye Baodhan Khai and Konikar Ramdhenu. The six-day extravaganza would come to a close with Estoian film Perekonnavaled, directed by Valentin Kuik and Manfred Vainokivi.