Assam filmmaker Maharshi Tuhin Kashyap wins Fellini Award in Italy

Assam filmmaker Maharshi Tuhin Kashyap has won the Secret Program Fellini Award at the 27th Lucania Film Festival in Pisticci, Italy, for his Assamese film KOK KOK KOKOOOK. The award is presented in the name of legendary Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini. The festival's Secret Program was curated by acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf.

"Having our film curated by legendary filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf, and receiving an award from him, feels like a dream," Kashyap said. The film follows Siken, a migrant chicken seller attached to his RX100 motorcycle, blending magic realism with contemporary themes of politics and migration in Assam and India. The film had its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival and has since screened at festivals including the International Film Festival of Kerala and the Dhaka International Film Festival.

Kashyap made the film as his graduation project at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute. He dedicated the award to the film's cast and crew. The principal cast includes Raju Roy and Esther Jama Paulino Kenyi.