Five films from Assam—three feature films and two non-feature films—were recognised at the 70th National Film Awards for the year 2024. The feature films Emuthi Puthi (A Very Fishy Trip), Sikaisal (If Only Trees Could Talk), and Xunyota (Void) won the Rajat Kamal Award, while the non-feature films Birubala: Witch to Padmashri and Hargila: The Greater Adjutant Stork received special mention certificates.
Hargila: The Greater Adjutant Stork
Directed by IPS officer Partha Sarathi Mahanta, the film focuses on the conservation of the Hargila and the work of wildlife biologist Purnima Devi Barman. Partha Sarathi Mahanta said, “I want to dedicate and share this moment with those involved in the conservation of Hargila, which was once on the verge of extinction.”
Birubala: Witch to Padmashri
Produced by Aimee Baruah Production Society and directed by Aimee Baruah, this film highlights the inspiring life of Padmashri Birubala Rabha, the anti-witch hunting activist from Goalpara. Rabha, renowned for her tireless fight against witch hunting in Assam, passed away at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer. Honored with the Padma Shri by the Centre in 2021, Rabha was also a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005.
Source: AT
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