Assamese Cinema Shines at the 22nd Third Eye Asian Film Festival

The 22nd Third Eye Asian Film Festival witnessed a remarkable showcase of Assamese cinema, with Monjul Baruah's Romantic Affairs winning multiple prestigious awards. The film's exploration of adolescence and identity resonated with audiences, earning accolades for Best Director and Best Actress. Additionally, Sanjib Sabhapandit's Ballad to the Winds was recognized as Best Film. This celebration of Assamese talent highlights the growing influence of regional cinema on the national stage. Read on to learn more about the festival's highlights and the impactful stories told through these films.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 18, 2026, 13:49 IST

Guwahati Celebrates Assamese Film Achievements

Guwahati, Jan 18: Assamese films have made a remarkable impact at the 22nd Third Eye Asian Film Festival, garnering several accolades in the Indian Cinema competition.

Monjul Baruah's film, Romantic Affairs, stood out as a major winner, earning him the Best Director award and Best Actress for Kasvi Sonkorison. Additionally, Boloram Das received a Special Jury Mention for his performance.

Assam's representation was further highlighted by Sanjib Sabhapandit's Ballad to the Winds, which clinched the Best Film award in the Indian Cinema category.

The festival also introduced the Best Directorial Debut Award to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of filmmaker V Shantaram, which was awarded to Tribeni Rai for Shape of Momo. Gaumaya Gurung was honored with a Special Jury Award for her role in the same film.

Romantic Affairs is a coming-of-age narrative that portrays a young girl's journey through the complexities of adolescence. It delves into her quest for identity and independence, exploring themes of desire, societal reputation, and the emotional upheaval of growing up.

The protagonist's search for self leads her to make choices that impact not only her life but also the lives of her parents, friends, and others, ultimately unraveling various relationships.

Baruah expressed that this recognition is a pivotal moment for the film, stating, "Being acknowledged among the top Indian films at the festival is a true honor. We invested our hearts into this project, and as a director, I feel fulfilled."

He emphasized the collaborative effort behind the film, thanking everyone involved, especially producers Dr. Sanjive Narain, Dr. Akshata Narain, and co-producer Jayashree Goswami, saying he feels both honored and humbled.

Known for his insightful storytelling, Baruah has previously directed acclaimed films such as Anur (Eyes on the Sunshine), which won Best Assamese Film and a Jury Special Mention at the 69th National Film Awards, along with Antareen (Quest of Sanctuary) and Kaaneen (A Secret Search). He also served on the international jury at the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala in 2024.

Baruah wrote the story, screenplay, dialogue, and directed the 142-minute film himself.

Reflecting on the film's essence, he noted that adolescence is a time filled with uncertainty. "As individuals mature, the urge to explore new experiences intensifies. In her quest for self-discovery, the protagonist navigates her physical and emotional needs, often taking misguided paths," he explained.

The cast includes Arun Nath, Swagata Bharali, Gayatri Sarma, Deep Jyoti Kakoti, Alokjyoti Saikia, Rina Bora, Ronald Hussain, Rituraj Gogoi, and Jolly Bhattacharyya in significant roles.