Assamese film 'Dear Awa' selected for two 2027 international festivals

The Assamese feature film Dear Awa, which portrays the indigenous Singpho community, has been chosen for the competition section of the 19th Jaipur International Film Festival 2027 and the Cinema of the World section of the 25th Dhaka International Film Festival 2027, prompting congratulations from Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein.

International festival selections

Northeast Now reported that the film will compete at the Jaipur festival and be shown at the Dhaka festival. Earlier, it was screened at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne as part of its Australian premiere, where it was featured among other films from Northeast India. The selections are expected to give the film exposure to audiences beyond the region.

Deputy chief minister’s message

Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein issued a message on Thursday congratulating Assam Cabinet Minister Atul Bora, filmmaker Lachit Baruah and the cast and crew. He described the film’s selection as an achievement for Northeast Indian cinema and its representation of the region’s cultural heritage. Mein said, "By bringing the traditions, cultural identity and social realities of the Singpho community to the screen, the film offers a meaningful glimpse into the rich diversity of our region." He added that showcasing indigenous stories and regional cultural narratives to wider audiences is important and wished the team success in future work.

Production details and thematic focus

Written and directed by Lachit Baruah, Dear Awa (meaning "Dear Father") explores the customs, traditions, religious beliefs and social challenges of the Singpho community. The research-based film also examines the impact of insurgency on people’s lives in the Northeast. Production was undertaken under the banner of MB Productions and the final version was dubbed into the Singpho language. The technical team includes cinematographer Papu Deka, editor Samujjal Kashyap and sound recordist Jyoti Chetia. Shooting took place along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, an area where the Singpho community has a presence, and Assam Cabinet Minister Atul Bora also plays a significant role in the film.

Anticipated impact

According to the report, the film’s inclusion in the Jaipur and Dhaka festivals will help bring stories from Northeast India to international audiences. By presenting the cultural practices and lived experiences of the Singpho community on a global platform, the film aims to broaden understanding of the region’s diversity and contribute to the visibility of Northeast Indian cinema worldwide.