How Northeast India shone at the Cannes Film Festival in France

Guwahati: Talent from India’s Northeast left an indelible impact at the iconic Cannes Film Festival in France, thousands of kilometres away from home.

Hindi language film ‘Kooki’ backed by Assam-based producer Junmoni Devi Khaund was screened at the prestigious festival. The film narrates the journey of a rape victim and the multiple stages and mental trauma they go through and received praise from film enthusiasts and distributors from various countries. The showing at Cannes set the stage for a national theatrical rollout in 100 cinema halls across India on June 28.

Nowadays, it seems like a mention of Cannes is incomplete without Assamese actress Aimee Baruah’s scorching of the red carpet in the state's traditional attire. at the festival with the traditional Assamese ‘gamusa’ and ‘mekhela sador’. She once again walked the ramp, draped head to toe in full Assamese traditional regalia. Last year, Baruah had made headlines with similar attire. Moreover, her directorial debut ‘Semkhor’ in the Dimasa language made history when it secured a screening at the prestigious venue.

Interestingly, Nagaland’s representation at the event was led by musical maestro A R Rahman. The Academy, Oscar, and Golden Globe Award-winning composer unveiled the first look and teaser of a feature documentary titled ‘Headhunting to Beatboxing’ along with advisor to the Nagaland Chief Minister Abu Metha and chairman of the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) Theja Meru. The documentary, produced by Rahman, explores the journey of rhythm and sound, tracing the evolution of music across cultures, tribes, and generations. TaFMA frequently collaborates with Rahman's KM Conservatory and the maestro makes frequent visits to the state.

“I always have a little soft corner for Northeast”, Rahman told Brut India on the sidelines of the festival. “I feel like they are not included the way they should be in movies or anything.”

‘Sangi Gai’ from Arunachal Pradesh was another movie from the region that captivated audiences at Cannes, It was screened at the Marché du Film, which is a part of the part of the prestigious event, on May 19. Produced by Alison Welly Bakha and directed by Nyago Ete, with creative production by Hali Welly, ‘Sangi Gao’ received an enthusiastic response for its vivid portrayal of Northeast Indian culture. “It is an honour to share the rich cultural tapestry of Northeast India on such a prestigious platform,” Welly said after the screening.

The present edition of the festival is taking place from 14 to 25 May 2024. While American filmmaker and actress Greta Gerwig will serve as jury president for the main competition, French actress Camille Cottin will host the opening and closing ceremonies. This year, Gerwig was nominated for the Best Director Oscar (for ‘Barbie’), but lost to UK filmmaker Christopher Nolan (‘Oppenheimer’).

ALSO READ: India exports over 45,000 tonnes of onion after lifting ban