Shillong, Sept 23: Filmmaker Dominic Megam Sangma and producer Eva Gunme were honoured at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Tuesday.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards, which recognised the outstanding contributions to the nation’s cinematic landscape. Sangma’s second feature film, Rimdogittanga (Rapture), a poignant Garo-language narrative, got the award for Best Feature Film in Garo, marking his second National Film Award following his debut Ma.Ama in 2019.
“This Award is dedicated to the people of Meghalaya, especially the people of the Garo Hills,” Sangma said. “I hope it inspires more young filmmakers from the region to tell stories of this place with courage and sincerity. The Garo language is not yet included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, but recognitions like this highlight its profound cultural significance and may pave the way for greater acknowledgment of its importance in preserving our indigenous voices,” he added.
The film, set against the lush yet haunting backdrop of Meghalaya’s Garo Hills, weaves a tale of existential fear and spiritual introspection through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy grappling with night blindness amid village prophecies of apocalyptic darkness.
Produced by Sangma’s Anna Films in collaboration with international partners, including the Hubert Bals Fund, Visions Sud Est, and the Doha Film Institute, Rapture has garnered global acclaim for its lyrical storytelling, minimalistic dialogue, and immersive exploration of Garo cultural heritage.
The production also featured key contributions from Indian producers Anu Rangachar, Harsh Agarwal, Aditya Grover, and Stephen Zacharias, alongside Chinese collaborators Xu Jianshang and Sun Li.
“This win is a testament to the untapped storytelling power of the Garo Hills and the Northeast,” Gunme said, adding, “working with Dominic has been a journey of amplifying voices that deserve to resonate far beyond our borders. We are grateful to the National Film Awards for championing regional cinema and fostering a space where our traditions can shine on the national stage.”
