Assam the frontier state of North-East India has a rich cultural tradition which deserves to have greater exposure nationally & internationally. Theatres and Films are the two most important medium through which this cultural identity is reflected and which enriches the mosaic of our pluralistic heritage.
Govt. of Assam established the Jyoti Chitraban as a Govt. Studio in the year 1961 at Kahilipara against a scenic backdrop in the foothills of the Narakasur Hills with an area of 10 acres of land. The establishment of Jyoti Chitraban came as a result of demands from various quarters including doyens in the field of culture namely Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha, Natasurjya Phani Sharma, the queen of Bijni Late Sabita Devi, Dr. Bhupen Hazarika and Late Khiroda Kt. Bishaya among others. Paying due respect to the Father of Assamese Cinema Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla, the name of the film studio was rightfully selected as “Jyoti Chitraban”- Jyoti for Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla & Chitraban – the name of the studio established by Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla in his “Bholaguri Tea Estate” during the production of Film “Joymoti”.
The studio became functionable in the year 1968 (17-1-2016)with one shooting floor which was named after “Pramathesh Ch. Baruah” who was a towering personality of Indian Cinema and hailed from this part of the Country. “Bhadari” was the first short feature film shooted in this floor under the direction of Nip Baruah.
Jyoti Chitraban Studio was converted into a Govt. controlled registered Society in 1973 inducting various Heads of Depts. of Govt. of Assam as official members and reputed film personalities as
non-official members.
Among stalwarts who has served in Jyoti Chitraban in its fledging days mention may be made of Late Mahesh Malla Bujar Baruah who was in the first batch of Film & Television Institute of India, Pune,Late Pijush Kanti Roy another FTII, Pune, Diploma holder of Sound Engineering and also alumni of FTII,Pune, Late I.K. Hazarika, noted Cameraman all of whom joined Jyoti Chitraban and trained many Assamese youngstars in the art of film making. Anil Chanda from PRASAD LABS of Chennai was engaged for the laboratory works and Mr. Har Kumar as assistant thus making the studio a full fledge one.
With changing times and development in the field of Film and Television, production as well as digital film making. Jyoti Chitraban has also equipped itself to meet the growing demand of the film makers. The Video Department was commissioned at Studio on 29 th Dec, 1995 by then Chief Minister of Assam.
With financial support from Govt. of Assam and Govt. of India (under Assam Accord) the Society has become well equipped with modern technology.
The Foundation stone for the construction of Filmcity Project, under Assam Accord (Ph-III) was laid by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam on 24 th Sept.2009 which is another step in the development of Jyoti Chitraban, in the field of Film-making.