In a powerful display of cinematic excellence, Assam has made a strong impression at the 71st National Film Awards, taking home five prestigious honours. The accolades, spanning a diverse range of categories from feature films to documentaries and film criticism, highlight the state’s vibrant and varied contribution to Indian cinema. The awards not only recognise established talent but also celebrate linguistic diversity and emerging voices from the Northeast.
The standout winner was Rangatapu 1982, which was named Best Assamese Feature Film. Directed by Adityam Saikia and produced by BRC Cine Production, the film secured the Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of ₹2 lakh for its touching portrayal of Assamese society in the early 1980s. This victory is seen as a significant moment for Assamese-language cinema, bringing a local story to national prominence.
The rich linguistic tapestry of the state was also celebrated with the Tai Phake language film, Pai Tang…Step of Hope, which won the Rajat Kamal for Best Film in its language. Prabal Khaund directed the film, which was honoured for its sensitive direction and compelling narrative rooted in an underrepresented culture. The award, accompanied by a ₹2 lakh prize, is a major boost for cultural preservation.
Veteran film critic Utpal Datta was awarded the prestigious Swarna Kamal for Best Film Critic, with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. His insightful commentary and analysis of Indian cinema were praised by the jury, underscoring the vital role of critical analysis in the cinematic landscape.
In the non-feature film category, Lentina Ao – A Light on the Eastern Horizon, a biographical film on the pioneering Naga woman, was named Best Biographical Film. Directed by Sanjib Parasar and co-directed by Nilakshi Medi, the documentary, produced by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), received a ₹2 lakh prize for its moving tribute to Lentina Ao’s work in healthcare and education in Nagaland during the 1950s. Parasar noted that the film was intended to portray her legacy “in real time,” highlighting her groundbreaking work in rural midwifery.
Adding another Swarna Kamal to the list, performer-turned-filmmaker Shilpika Bordoloi was recognised as Best Debut Director (Non-Feature) for her Mizo-language film, Mau: The Spirit Dreams of Cheraw. Bordoloi, who describes the film as a meditation on the spiritual connection between bamboo and humans, was awarded a ₹3 lakh prize. Her win celebrates a creative journey that bridges performance and filmmaking, and takes stories from Mizoram to a national audience.
These awards not only serve as a significant acknowledgment of Assam’s creative community but also as a powerful testament to the state’s cultural richness and the talent that continues to emerge from the region.
