Assamese feature film ‘Hiraeth’, which portrays socio-economic inequality, corruption and exploitation through a couple’s journey, has been selected for the ‘in-competition’ category at the 16th Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF). The world premiere of the film will also be held at the CSAFF from September 14-21 this year, a release said on Monday. The CSAFF, one of the largest of its kind in North America, celebrates diverse stories from the subcontinent and the diaspora, combining film screenings with panel discussions and cultural events, it said. Shot mainly in Dibrugarh, Hiraeth is a 100-minute Assamese-language drama rooted in social realism. The story follows Pori, a village woman whose life is torn apart by a devastating flood, forcing her and her husband to leave for the city.
Once there, they face the harsh realities of poverty, inequality, corruption, and exploitation. Starring Meghali Kalita, Ashim Kumar Sharma and Atanu Mahanta in leading roles, the film is a portrait of resilience and the unrecognised struggles of people living on society’s margins. Speaking about the selection, director Chow Partha Borgohain said, “I am very overwhelmed and happy by the recognition and love this film is receiving,” he said. “This story is for those who live with dignity despite hardship, for those whose work silently fuels the progress of others. I owe this to my mother, my mother-in-law, who also helped finance the film, and to my wife, whose trust and love made it possible. I hope Pori’s journey inspires reflection on the inequalities we accept as normal.”
The film 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. Produced by Sengpem Borgohain with Subhitya Borgohain and Ruchie Baruah as executive producers, the film’s cinematography is by Borgohain himself. Production design is by Jayanta Gogoi, editing by Kavin Adithya and music by AT Ram.
