From 'Apot' to 'Nora': Northeast cinema takes centre stage at Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards
Guwahati: The 8th Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards (North East) 2025, a much-anticipated annual event, were held on January 10 and 11 at the Rudra Barua Auditorium, Jyoti Chitraban Studio in Guwahati.
The two-day programme drew film critics, cinema lovers, celebrities, and key figures from the film industry, making it a memorable occasion for all present.
The Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards are dedicated to building a stronger connection with the Northeastern region by using the unifying power of cinema. Through films, the awards seek to celebrate and promote the region’s rich culture and shared values, while recognising cinema’s unique ability to bring people together.
Year after year, the awards successfully highlight the remarkable talent emerging from the North East’s film industry. They honour excellence in every aspect of filmmaking—from storytelling and direction to acting, music, and technical craftsmanship.
This year, the prestigious Best Film award was presented to Apot, an outstanding Khasi film based on a traditional folktale from Meghalaya. The film was directed and produced by Raphael Warjri and received a trophy, certificate, and a cash prize of Rs 50,000.
The Best Director award went to Prakash Deka for the Assamese film Nora, while Sanjib Sabhapandit won Best Screenwriter for Aakash Heno Nodir Naam (Assamese). Augustine Kurbah received the Best Music Director award for the Khasi film Apot.
Aniruddha Barua was named Best Cinematographer for Taarikh (Assamese), and Manas Protim Goswami won Best Sound Designer for Nora.
In the editing category, Priyakanta Laishram received the Best Film Editor award for the Manipuri film Oneness. Bhaskar Jyoti Kalita was awarded Best Art Director for the Assamese film The Woodcutter.
In the acting categories, Raju Roy won the Best Actor award for his performance in the Assamese film Noi Kotha. Rodali Bora received the Best Actor (Female) honour for her powerful portrayal in the Assamese film Burkha – The Veil.
The jury also gave Special Mention awards to several deserving artists. Jatindra Nath Khanikar was recognised for his performances in the Assamese films Burkha – The Veil and Gomon.
Dhiraj Kashyap received a special mention for his direction of the Assamese film Brahmakanya, while Khanjan Kishore Nath was honoured for directing the Karbi film Kangbo Aloti. All Special Mention recipients were presented with certificates and mementoes.
The awards were presented by a distinguished panel of guests. The chief guest was National Award-winning actress and Golden Lotus-winning documentary filmmaker Suhasini Mulay. She was joined by Guest of Honour Manjula Barua—an accomplished actress, art director, and costume designer—and renowned filmmaker Jahnu Barua.
The event featured engaging conversations with leading filmmakers. On January 10, an interactive session with Raphael Warjri, director of Apot, and Prakash Deka, director of Nora, was moderated by Munin Bayan, offering valuable insights into their creative journeys.
On January 11, a thought-provoking conversation took place between veteran film critic Manoj Barpujari and chief guest Suhasini Mulay.
During the event, the Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards also conferred Lifetime Achievement Honours on eminent music composer Dr. Ramen Choudhury and popular singer Samar Hazarika.
The programme concluded with the release of a special souvenir titled Cinejyoti, edited by Ranjit Das. The publication was unveiled by chief guest Suhasini Mulay, Guest of Honour Manjula Barua, filmmaker Jahnu Barua, Trust President Mrinmoy Baruah, and editor Ranjit Das.