Assam filmmaker wins Fellini Award in Italy

Assamese filmmaker Maharshi Tuhin Kashyap has won the Secret Program Fellini Award at the 27th Lucania Film Festival in Pisticci, Italy, for his film 'Kok Kok Kokoook'. The award, named after legendary Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, was presented by acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf, who curated the festival's Secret Program. The Assamese-language film is having its European premiere at the festival.

The film follows Siken, a migrant chicken seller who is deeply attached to his RX100 motorcycle. When the motorcycle goes missing, Siken fears being framed in a false police case and eventually transforms into the motorcycle. Blending magic realism, the story explores politics in Assam and India, and the struggles of migrant communities, as per the sources.

'Having our film curated by Makhmalbaf and receiving an award from him feels like a dream,' Kashyap said, dedicating the honour to his cast and crew. The film began its journey as his graduation project at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) and has travelled to festivals including Busan, IFFK, and Dhaka.