Assam's Cinema Shines at Pune International Film Festival with 'Murders Too Close – Love Too Far'
Assamese Film Gains International Recognition
Guwahati, January 8: The Assamese film industry has received a significant boost as the Indo-Israeli feature film Murders Too Close – Love Too Far has been selected for the Global Cinema section at the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) 2026.
Directed by the acclaimed Assamese filmmaker Manju Borah alongside Israeli director Dan Wolman, the film is set to be showcased on January 17 and 19, marking a historic moment for the state's cinematic landscape.
In a statement regarding the film's selection, Borah expressed her pride, stating that this recognition is a significant milestone for Assamese cinema.
"This selection at PIFF is not just a victory for our film, but for Assamese cinema as a whole. It demonstrates that narratives from Assam can gain international recognition when supported by strong collaborations and local talent," she remarked.
This film stands out as the first international co-production involving an Assamese production house and a foreign collaborator, receiving backing from the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
What adds to the significance of this achievement is that the entire 108-minute crime drama was filmed in Assam, utilizing a completely local Assamese crew.
Co-produced by Manju Borah, Amir Gedalia, and Dan Wolman, the film features a talented cast including Siddharth Nipon Goswami, Shaminn Mannan, Seema Biswas, Bhagirathi Bai Kadam, and Adil Hussain.
The screenplay was collaboratively crafted by Borah and Wolman, with cinematography by Partha Borgohain, editing by Eyal Amir, sound design by Debajit Gayan, and music composed by Sanket Joshi.
Set against the backdrop of rural Assam, the narrative revolves around a police station where senior CBI officer Ram Chaudhary investigates the gruesome murder of two policemen. His inquiry intertwines with the life of Gita, a talented artist whose work delves into mob psychology and collective behavior. As the investigation progresses, personal feelings and professional responsibilities clash, leading to a series of shocking discoveries.
Dan Wolman, who boasts decades of experience in global filmmaking and received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 49th International Film Festival of India in 2018, emphasized that this collaboration has strengthened his faith in the creative capabilities of Assam's film community.
With Murders Too Close – Love Too Far making its way to a prestigious national festival, Assam's cinema is not only gaining recognition as a filming destination but also as a creative powerhouse capable of crafting compelling stories for international audiences.