The inaugural edition of the Belghoria Film Festival concluded on a high note, leaving cinephiles and critics alike impressed with its curated showcase of talent, powerful storytelling, and celebration of independent cinema. Among the standout moments was Assamese filmmaker Namrata Datta winning the Best Director award for her poignant documentary Lakshahira. This film also earned the Best Cinematography award for Ratul Barman and Utpal Datta.
The film Lakshahira pays tribute to the esteemed educator and singer, Dr. Lakshahira Das, who passed away at 95. Through poignant storytelling from Dr. Das herself, the film intertwines personal stories with her public accomplishments, showcasing a life dedicated to education and cultural advancement. This documentary has been widely screened across Assam, including a special showing organised by the state government and several academic institutions.
Beyond individual accomplishments, the standout feature was the vision and execution of the Belghoria Film Festival. In its first edition, the festival established itself as a vibrant platform for emerging talent and regional filmmakers, drawing significant attention nationwide. The competition presented a compelling array of short films and documentaries that explored themes such as identity, childhood, spirituality, and social change. The festival makes a lasting impression by honouring independent voices.
The event boasted several distinguished Guests of Honour, including Anjan Bose, Rajdeep Paul, Sharmistha Maity, Amit Saha, K.G. Das, Subir Mondal, Rana Pratap Karforma, Satarupa Sanyal, Subhadeep Bandyopadhyay, and Asoke Basu, all of whom offered valuable insights and support. The festival’s jury, composed of notable personalities from the film and arts industries—Joydeep Bose, Olivia Das, Jayashree Bhattacharya, and Tutul Pal—delivered thoughtful judgments that highlighted both technical excellence and emotional depth across various categories. To celebrate artistic bravery and originality, the festival featured a special screening of Astaraag, a unique and profoundly evocative film by Rahul Biswas, which received widespread acclaim from audiences for its striking narrative and visual style. As the vibrant debut edition came to a close, Lakshahira stood out not only as an esteemed winner but also as a representation of the storytelling that the Belghoria Film Festival aims to promote—genuine, heartfelt, and grounded in real-life experiences.
The Belghoria Film Festival, characterised by its inclusive ethos, thoughtful curation, and appreciation for local stories, has established itself as a significant platform for dedicated filmmakers and intelligent audiences. Everyone who sees cinema as a medium for memory, identity, and change eagerly anticipates its upcoming editions.
