Shillong, Jan 14: Apot, a Khasi film directed and produced by Raphael Warjri, has won the Best Film award in the 8th Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards (North East) 2025.
The film also won Best Music Director, which was awarded to Augustine Kurbah.
Instituted in memory of legendary Assamese filmmaker Sailadhar Baruah, the award celebrates excellence in cinema from across North East India.
A total of 26 films were officially selected from numerous submissions across the region. Meghalaya marked a strong presence with three entries—APOT, Lanot, and Tyngkai.
Apot is based on the Khasi folktale of Tiewlarun, a forbidden flower believed to bring misfortune. It tells the tragic story of a brother and sister who survive a village plague, only for tragedy to strike when the sister disturbs the sacred flower against her brother’s warning.
Beyond its storyline, the film captures the natural beauty of Meghalaya – its hills, forests, and traditions – blending folklore with visual art. Officials said the project also reflects the state’s vision of promoting cultural and eco-tourism through storytelling and cinema.
Other major honours included Best Director to Prakash Deka for Nora (Assamese) and Best Screenwriter to Sanjib Sabhapandit for Aakash Heno Nodir Naam (Assamese). Best Cinematography was awarded to Aniruddha Barua for Taarikh, while Best Sound Design went to Manas Protim Goswami for Nora. Priyakanta Laishram won Best Film Editor for Oneness (Manipur), and Best Art Director was awarded to Bhaskar Jyoti Kalita for Woodcutter (Assamese).
In the acting categories, Raju Roy won Best Actor (Male) for Noi Kotha (Assamese), and Rodali Bora received Best Actor (Female) for Burkha (Assamese). The jury gave a Special Mention to Jatindranath Khanikar for his performances in Burkha and Gomon (Assamese). Special jury recognitions were also extended to Brahmakanya (Assamese) by Dhiraj Kashyap (producer-director) and Khajan Kishore Nath, director of Kangbo Aloti (Karbi film).
The festival was graced by National Award–winning actress and filmmaker Suhasini Mulay along with eminent filmmakers Manjula Barua and Jahnu Barua, in the presence of Mrinmoy Baruah, President, and Ranjit Das, Secretary of the Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards.
In her address, Mulay spoke at length on the immense creative potential of the North East, while also highlighting the persistent indifference and discriminatory attitudes faced by people from the region within mainstream India. She shared personal and memorable experiences of working with legendary filmmakers Mrinal Sen and Satyajit Ray, inspiring filmmakers and audiences.
