Assamese Film Hiraeth Selected for Chicago South Asian Film Festival

Hiraeth to Premiere at Chicago Festival

The Assamese film 'Hiraeth', crafted by Chow Partha Borgohain, has earned a spot in the competitive lineup of the 16th Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF), scheduled from September 14 to 21, 2025.

This film will make its world premiere at the festival, showcasing alongside notable international films. The opening night, featuring a red carpet event, is set for September 19 in downtown Chicago, with the festival concluding on September 21.

Filmed mainly in Dibrugarh, 'Hiraeth' is a social realism narrative that chronicles the life of Pori, a village woman whose existence is drastically altered by a catastrophic flood, compelling her and her husband to relocate to the city.

In the city, they confront harsh truths about socio-economic disparities, corruption, and exploitation. The 100-minute film, presented in Assamese, stars Meghali Kalita, Ashim Kumar Sharma, and Atanu Mahanta, and delves into the resilience of marginalized individuals and the injustices they face.

Director Chow Partha Borgohain expressed his gratitude regarding the film's selection, stating, "I am deeply moved and thrilled by the recognition and affection this film is garnering. The narrative we aimed to convey reflects the stark realities encountered by those often overlooked—individuals living on the fringes, whose struggles and sacrifices sometimes fuel the advancement of others."

"This film is dedicated to all those who strive with dignity yet remain unseen. Through Pori's experiences, I aspire to provoke thought about the inequalities we have come to accept as commonplace. Let us continue to love, work diligently, and avoid harboring hatred; life is fleeting, so cherish every moment and live fully."

The cast also features Dipankar Sharma, Archana Bezbaruah, Vishwa Kinkar Baruah, Hemanta Rajkonwar, Smritirekha Chetia Handique, Pradipta Pran Bhattacharya, Rimjhim Deka, Rumi Sharma Pathak, and Bhoirab Phukan.

The Chicago South Asian Film Festival stands as one of North America's largest events of its kind, celebrating a variety of narratives from the subcontinent and its diaspora, and includes film screenings, Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and cultural activities.