Assam government aid for films selected for Cannes

Baghjan Assam films
Baghjan

Assam government has come forward to assist the filmmakers whose films have recently grabbed headlines for being selected for the Marche du, the business part of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France.

Assamese and Moran language film ‘Baghjan’ by Jaicheng Zxai Dohutia has been selected in the ‘Goes to Cannes’ section, where India is given an opportunity to pitch five selected movies. On the other hand, ‘Boomba Ride’ in Mishing language, directed by Biswajeet Borah will be screened at the initiative of the Indian government in the venue.

Assam government has decided to help the ‘Boomba Ride‘ director to travel to Cannes while for ‘Baghjan’, the state government will help in its post-production.

“This year, two movies from Assam will be screened and pitched in two different sections organized alongside Cannes Film Festival. We congratulate both the directors,” Assam minister of cultural affairs Bimal Borah wrote on Social media.

“I would like to inform you that we are extending support by providing travel expenditure of Biswajit Bora along with another person related to the film while the Government of India is facilitating their accommodation.”

Borah said that although the filmmakers have not approached the Assam government formally, the issue of providing support to moviemakers whose movies have been selected for screening at Marche Du Film was deliberated upon by the media in the last several days.

“Owing to time constraints and other formalities involved, instead of support for participation at the festival, Jaicheng Dohutia requested for support to complete post-production work related to sound. We will look into this request and extend support,” Borah further said.

A screenshot from the film 'Boomba Ride'
A screenshot from the film ‘Boomba Ride’

Marche Du Film is one of the largest film markets in the world. Established in 1959, it is held annually in conjunction with the Cannes Film Festival or Festival de Cannes.

“I’m thankful to Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and cultural affairs minister Bimal Borah and the Assam government for their interest in completing my film. I’m also thankful to the people and the media for the unconditional love and support,” said Jaicheng Zxai Dohutia.

Dohutia also expressed his hope that in the days to come Assamese films will see better days.

India will be the official Country of Honour for the Marche du Film 2022, set to run in Cannes from May 17 to 25. India is celebrating its 75th year of independence just as the Festival de Cannes celebrates its 75th anniversary – a momentous milestone for both institutions.

Boomba Ride:

Boomba Ride produced by Luit Kumar Barman and others was earlier screened in the Indian Panorama at the International Film Festival of India. The film is about a lower primary school where the main struggle of the teachers is to keep the school alive as it has only one student, named Boomba.

Baghjan:

Baghjan has been shot at the real locations and the victims of the oil-leakage tragedy at Baghjan in Tinsukia district in Assam have acted in it. The film depicts the plight of common villagers who are affected by the blowout at Baghjan in the Tinsukia district. It tells the story of Manab, a fisherman his wife, Janeki and a selfish villager Bimal.

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