Two Assamese non-feature films “Hargila” and “Birubala” recieve special mention at 70th National Film Awards

Dispur (Assam) [India] August 17 (ANI): Two Assamese non-feature films “Hargila – The Greater Adjutant Stork” directed by Partha Sarathi Mahanta and “Birubala ‘Witch to Padmashri'” directed by Aimee Baruah received a special mention at the 70th National Film Awards.

The Greater Adjutant Stork, locally known as Hargila is an endangered bird and the non-featured film is based on the rapid deaths of the bird and focuses on the conservation of the endangered bird species.

Partha Sarathi Mahanta said, “I want to dedicate and share the special moment with the people who are involved in the conservation of Hargila.”

On the other hand, another non-feature film “Birubala ‘Witch to Padmashri'” also received a special mention at the 70th National Film Awards.

Three feature films, Emuthi Puthi (A Very Fishy Trip), Sikaisal (If only trees could talk), and Xunyota (Void), won the Rajat Kamal Award.

Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on X, “Congratulations to all the winners from Assam on being announced as the winners and recipients of ‘Special Mention’ at the 70th #NationalFilmAward Your contributions in taking forward Assamese cinema to new heights is well appreciated.”

The 70th National Film Awards were announced on Friday in the national capital. Rishab Shetty and Nithya Menen received Best Actor awards, while the Malayalam film Aattam won Best Film. Brahmastra Part 1 and Ponniyin Selvan Part 1 also secured several key awards.

Sooraj Barjatya won the best director for his film Uunchai meanwhile Anand Ekarshi won the best screenplay award for Attam. Arpita Mukherjee and Rahul V Chittella won the award for best dialogues for Gulmohar (Hindi).

Kantara also won the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

The Jury comprised of eminent filmmakers and film personalities. The awards were announced by Rahul Rawail, Chairperson, Feature Films Jury, Nila Madhab Panda, Chairperson, Non-feature Films Jury, and Gangadhar Mudaliar, Best Writing on Cinema Jury in the presence of Vrunda Desai, Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.