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.