Assam's Film 'Kiyo' Wins International Award Before Release

Celebrating Assam's Cinematic Achievement

Tezpur, July 18: In a remarkable achievement for Assam and the culturally vibrant town of Tezpur, the film 'Kiyo', inspired by the renowned play by 'Natasurya' Phani Sarma and helmed by Aparup Agarwala, has garnered international acclaim by winning the 'Best First-Time Director Award' at the Berlin Kiez Film Festival, even prior to its official premiere.

This project bridges Assam's cinematic legacy with contemporary aspirations, reviving a classic for a worldwide audience. The film's trailer and theme song were unveiled on Sunday evening at the Shree Haribilash Movies auditorium in Kumar Gaon, attended by prominent figures from Assam's cultural and literary circles.

The event commenced with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp before the statue of Natasurya Phani Sarma, led by esteemed actor and MLA Prithiraj Rava. The trailer of 'Kiyo' was launched by celebrated actress Dr. Jahanara Begum, while the film's theme song was revealed by Baan Theatre president and lyricist Bankim Sharma. Dr. Begum noted, "The essence of Phani Sarma's play remains as impactful today as it was at its inception. The film beautifully encapsulates that timeless spirit."

Bankim Sharma praised the director's quiet yet resolute journey: "Aparup Agarwala has not only revived a classic but has also brought it to the international forefront. This is a proud moment for Tezpur and all of Assam," he stated.

Baan Theatre and Tezpur Sahitya Sabha, represented by general secretary Jitumoni Deva Choudhury and president Dhrubajyoti Das, honored Aparup Agarwala for his international recognition.

MLA Prithiraj Rava remarked, "The acknowledgment of 'Kiyo' at Berlin is not merely a personal achievement for the filmmaker; it stands as a tribute to Assam's rich artistic heritage."

Adding to the significance of the event, Aparup Agarwala also launched a historical novel titled 'Cheng', authored by the late playwright Hiren Choudhury, which sheds light on an overlooked character from Assam's history. The book was introduced by Tezpur Sahitya Sabha secretary Dr. Pallab Bhattacharya, who hailed it as "a significant contribution to Assamese historical fiction, merging rich imagination with historical accuracy."

This novel delves into the lives and sentiments of the Tai people before their migration to the Brahmaputra Valley under Chaolung Siu-Ka-Pha.

In another notable release, a travel guide titled 'Tezpur-The City of Eternal Romance' by esteemed writer Dilip Kumar Baruah was recently launched by the deputy director of the State's tourism department, Emon Choudhury, at an event held at Tezpur Sahitya Sabha Bhawan. This guide, now reformatted and updated as 'Spring Valley Travellers' Guide to Tezpur', published by Hemanta Lahkar, includes essential chapters on local geography, climate, administration, demographics, historical context, and a map for navigating Tezpur, along with information on its parks, gardens, the famous rock inscriptions, lakes, beels, and the 'Sapta Tirtha' or seven pilgrimage sites.