Assamese Film ‘Hiraeth’ to Premiere at Chicago South Asian Film Festival 2025

The Assamese film Hiraeth, written, directed, and shot by Chow Partha Borgohain, has been selected for the prestigious 2025 Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF). The festival’s 16th edition will take place from September 14 to 21 in Chicago, USA. Hiraeth will compete in the in-competition category, with its world premiere scheduled at CSAFF. The festival’s opening night on September 19 will feature a red-carpet event in downtown Chicago, culminating in the closing ceremony on September 21.

The film is a 100-minute Assamese-language drama primarily shot in Dibrugarh, deeply rooted in social realism. It tells the poignant story of Pori, a village woman whose life is shattered by a catastrophic flood. Forced to relocate to the city with her husband, she confronts harsh urban realities including poverty, inequality, corruption, and exploitation. The film stars Meghali Kalita, Ashim Kumar Sharma, and Atanu Mahanta in lead roles. Through its narrative, Hiraeth portrays the resilience and often overlooked struggles of marginalized people living on the fringes of society.

Chow Partha Borgohain expressed his deep gratitude for the recognition and affection his film has received. He dedicated the film to those who maintain their dignity despite adversity, whose silent efforts fuel the progress of others. He acknowledged the support of his mother, mother-in-law (who also helped finance the film), and his wife, whose trust and love made the project possible. Borgohain hopes that Pori’s journey will inspire viewers to reflect on social inequalities that are often accepted as normal.

In addition to the lead actors, the film features notable performances by Dipankar Sharma, Archana Bezbaruah, Vishwa Kinkar Baruah, Hemanta Rajkonwar, Smritirekha Chetia Handique, Pradipta Pran Bhattacharya, Rimjhim Deka, Rumi Sharma Pathak, and Bhoirab Phukan. Hiraeth is produced by Sengpem Borgohain, with Subhitya Borgohain and Ruchie Baruah serving as executive producers. Chow Partha Borgohain himself handled cinematography, while the production design was by Jayanta Gogoi, editing by Kavin Adithya, and music composed by AT Ram.

Borgohain was born in 1986 in Along, Arunachal Pradesh, and grew up in various districts of the state due to his father’s service in the Arunachal Pradesh Police. After completing his schooling in Arunachal Pradesh, he pursued Visual Arts at Madras Christian College. Later, he specialized in film and motion photography at Mindscreen Film Institute in Chennai. Since 2014, Borgohain has worked as a freelance cinematographer and director, contributing significantly to Indian regional cinema.

Hiraeth’s selection for an international festival like CSAFF marks a significant achievement for Assamese cinema, showcasing the region’s stories and talents on a global stage. The film’s focus on real social issues and its artistic merit highlights the growing prominence of Assamese filmmakers in the broader cinematic landscape. The premiere and participation in CSAFF will provide the film and its makers a platform to reach wider audiences and foster greater appreciation for Northeast India’s cultural narratives.