Assamese film ‘Xhoixobote Dhemalite’ bags award at US fest

Assamese film "Xhoixobote Dhemalite" (Rainbow Fields) has bagged an award at a US festival for best narrative feature. The Bidyut Kotoky directed film deals with the sensitive issue of children growing up in violent times.

The film won the award at the recently-concluded Erie International Film Festival (EIFF) in Pennsylvania.

An elated Kotoky, who is based in Mumbai, said, "We always believe that Xhoixobote Dhemalite' is a film for the world in Assamese language. This recognition from half way across the globe re-affirms our faith. This continues to reinforce what I always believe – the colour of emotions is same everywhere."

Legendary actor Victor Banerjee, who plays a pivotal role in the film, said the "Subtle message of the futility of mindless violence that has crept into our mischievous political psyches is the understated theme of the film."

"The film's story is based in Assam but people from halfway across the globe are relating to it. This goes to show that emotions across the globe are same. In 'Xhoihobote Dhemlite', we always believed that we are making a film in Assamese language for the global audience," said Mumbai-based Kotoky.

The film has won a number of awards at international festivals.

In August, it bagged the best screenplay award at Treasure Coast International Film Festival in Florida. It had received nominations in five categories.

A month before that, "Xhoixobote Dhemalite" became the first Assamese film to be commercially released in the US. Besides, it had won three awards, including that of best film, in the Love International Film Festival, Los Angeles.

Based on true events, the film also features seasoned actors like Banerjee, Nakul Vaid, Naved Aslam, Nipon Goswami and Nikumoni Barua.

The film is produced by 'India Stories', a Mumbai-based production house and co-produced by Kotoky's Dhruv Creative Productions and US-based Kurmasana Kreates.

Since its inception, Erie International Film Festival has set out on a course of establishing a home for independent filmmakers and exhibiting their works. Celebrating narratives, documentaries, experimental, horror and animation films, EIFF offers the vast diversity of Indie films as true art form.