‘The Last Generation’ Nominated at IDSFFK

‘The Last Generation’ Nominated at IDSFFK

by | Jun 15, 2024 | Festival Circuit

In a significant achievement for Northeast Indian cinema, filmmaker Prabal Khaund’s latest documentary, “The Last Generation,” has been officially selected for screening at the prestigious International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK). The film sheds light on an endangered tribe in Arunachal Pradesh and marks another milestone in Khaund’s illustrious career.

“The Last Generation” is a collaborative effort, bringing together some of the region’s finest talents. Produced by Gopal Jalan and Dhruba Kakati, the documentary features cinematography by Chida Bora and editing by Ghanashyam Deka. Two notable artists crafted the film’s auditory landscape: Rajib Kashyap, who composed the background score, and National Film Award winner Debajit Gayan, who was responsible for sound design.

 

Khaund, who also serves as the Vice President of Chalachitram, a prominent film society in Assam, has consistently pushed the boundaries of documentary filmmaking. His selection for IDSFFK not only brings attention to the endangered tribe featured in the film but also highlights the growing recognition of Northeast Indian cinema on the international stage.

 

Assamese Duo Wins Prestigious ‘Food Matters Grant’

Assamese Duo Wins Prestigious ‘Food Matters Grant’

by | Jun 14, 2024 | Announcements

In a truly unique and groundbreaking achievement for culinary arts and cultural preservation, Biswajit Das and Chandan Borgohain have been announced as winners of the esteemed Serendipity Arts’ “Food Matters Grant” for 2024. Their project, “Rediscovering Lost Fish Recipes,” stands out for its innovative approach to exploring the intersection of food, art, and culture.

The project aims to archive and reimagine forgotten fish recipes from the Kulsi River region in Assam, India. Through the lens of food, Das and Borgohain will examine the impact of human intervention on shared resources, memories, and cultural heritage, culminating in creating an artist’s book.

Biswajit Das, an acclaimed documentary filmmaker and animator based in Guwahati, brings a wealth of experience to the project. His extensive body of work, which includes 24 documentary films and over 100 short animation videos, has earned him significant recognition, including the Best Director award at the Chalachitram National Film Festival 2023, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Research grant, and the OneWorld Media Fellowship 2022. This impressive track record underscores his expertise and commitment to the project.

Chandan Borgohain, a seasoned journalist and photographer from Assam, is collaborating with Das. With over five years of experience in regional and international organisations, Borgohain has dedicated his career to addressing disinformation in the digital age. His photographic work uniquely captures the interplay between personal and social aspects of landscapes.

The selection of “Rediscovering Lost Fish Recipes” for the Food Matters Grant not only highlights the growing importance of preserving culinary traditions and their cultural significance but also promises to make a significant impact. As the project unfolds, it will not only shed light on the rich gastronomic heritage of the Kulsi River region but also address broader themes of environmental change and cultural preservation, making it a truly transformative and impactful initiative.

‘Swargarath’ Gains Momentum

‘Swargarath’ Gains Momentum

by | Jun 11, 2024 | Screenings

‘Swargarath’ is an ornamental name given to the vehicles transporting deceased individuals to their final resting places. The talented Rajesh Bhuyan directed the film, which has served as the foundation for this unique premise based on the story and screenplay of Shantanu Roumuria.

Interestingly, the director planned the movie on a modest budget, but it has since become a commercial hit, grossing over one crore in revenue. The film’s success can be attributed to its engaging pace and the impressive performances of the lead actors, including Siddhartha Sarma, Kamal Lochan, and renowned director Kenny Basumatari.

Speed and comedy have proven to be a winning formula for Swargarath, resonating with audiences and propelling the film’s popularity in the Assamese cinema circuit. This achievement is a testament to the filmmakers’ creative vision and execution, who have crafted an entertaining narrative around a subject often treated with solemnity.

The film continues to captivate viewers, serving as a testament to the vibrant and diverse landscape of Assamese cinema, which continues to produce innovative and engaging stories that transcend regional boundaries.11

‘Baruahar Sangsar’ Shines at NYIFF

‘Baruahar Sangsar’ Shines at NYIFF

by | Jun 10, 2024 | Festival Circuit

Celebrating Assamese cinema’s rich legacy, the documentary film “Baruahar Sangsar” was nominated at the prestigious New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF). Directed by renowned journalist, National Award-winning critic, and filmmaker Utpal Borpujari, the film pays tribute to the illustrious Baruah family, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of Assam.

The Baruah brothers, who hail from the northeastern state, have shaped Assamese filmmaking and culture. Their collective efforts span various facets of the industry, including writing, directing, acting, lyrical composition, music direction, singing, choreography, and production.

Nip Baruah, a pioneering figure, directed 15 feature films, while his brothers Brajen and Dibon helmed 5 and 7 films, respectively. Brajen Baruah’s musical prowess shone through as he composed scores for 8 films, and Ramen Baruah’s melodies graced over 30 Bengali and Hindi productions. Dipen Baruah’s melodious voice resonated in more than 50 films, lending his talents to Ramen Baruah’s compositions and those of other music directors.

Borpujari’s documentary, “Baruahar Sangsar,” delves into this illustrious family’s remarkable lives and contributions, capturing their enduring impact on Assamese cinema and culture. The film has already garnered recognition on various national and international platforms, and its selection for the New York Indian Film Festival is a testament to its artistic and cultural significance.

Director Utpal Borpujari attended NYIFF and participated in the discussions and Q&A sessions, giving audiences the chance to gain deeper insights into the creation of this significant documentary and the rich legacy it celebrates. “Baruahar Sangsar” took center stage in New York. The production not only aims to entertain and educate audiences, but also serves as a profound tribute to the Baruah family’s invaluable contributions. It ensures that their artistic and cultural legacy will continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come.

In addition to the NYIFF Grand Jury Awards, two awards were also presented by the Film Critics Circle of India (FCCI). An award for the Best Debut Film, bagged by Sumanth Bhat’s ‘Mithya’.  And a Special Mention for another debut film, bagged by Sharan Venugopal’s ‘Three Sons of Narayani’. The FCCI jury members comprised KP Jayasankar, Madhu Eravankara, and Utpal Datta. Last year, Neetha Syam’s Assamese film, Footprints on Water, had won the FCCI Award for Best Debut Film.

In the next NYIFF edition, House of Illusions, an indie film studio set up primarily to discover obscure talent and to encourage the creation of good cinema, would be instituting an award for the Best Film by a Woman Director. House of Illusions was founded by Christopher Dalton, the artistic director of the Chalachitram National Film Festival.

Kishor Tahbildar directs ‘Pratishruti’

Kishor Tahbildar directs ‘Pratishruti’

by | Jun 6, 2024 | Screenings

For Parashar, who was once a famous face in Assamese cinema before taking a hiatus to focus on a commercial theatre production, ‘Pratishruti’ marks a triumphant return to the silver screen. Her nuanced acting as the central character has been unanimously lauded, justifying the anticipation surrounding her comeback.

Despite hailing from a successful theatre background, director Kishor Tahbildar’s cinematic storytelling style in ‘Pratishruti’ exhibits a distinct flair, surprising critics and audiences alike. His narrative choices veer away from the theatrical conventions one might expect, instead adopting a more grounded and realistic approach befitting the film’s premise.

Tahbildar’s deft handling of the script and Parashar’s magnetically intense performance have resulted in a crowd-pleasing entertainer that has struck a chord with audiences across Assam. The on-screen chemistry between Parashar and her co-stars has been particularly praised.

Since its release, ‘Pratishruti’ has enjoyed a successful run at the box office, emerging as one of the most talked-about Assamese films of the season. The film’s commercial success is a testament to Parashar’s enduring popularity and the audience’s embrace of her comeback.