MUMBAI: For the first time in the history of Surat, a four-day long Narmad International Film Festival has been planned to be held in the city of Gujarat from 16 to 19 June.

The White Land, a true story of salt workers in the deserts of Gujarat, will open the festival with a special focus on Gujarati Cinema. The film is directed by Jayant Gilatar.

A special screening of the National award winning film Saraswatichandra has also been planned. Few other notable films to be screened at the festival are Hawai Dada, I am Kalam, Dear Friend Hitler, Shuttlecock Boys, Red Alert, Haat the Weekly Bazaar and Janmadata (Gujarati).

The festival will also launch the 1st Narmad Awards for contribution to Gujarati Cinema which will be given to a Gujarati film personality for his or her contribution to Gujarati Cinema.

The other highlights of the festival will include a discussion on ‘How to revive the Gujarati Film Industry’ and workshops on film making by Whistling Woods International.