Shillong, Jan 16: The 8th Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards (North East) 2025 concluded on a celebratory note, recognising excellence in regional cinema from across the North Eastern states. The two-day festival, held on January 15 and 16, 2026, showcased a diverse range of films highlighting the rich cultural and creative landscape of the region.
The prestigious Best Film Award was conferred on APOT (Khasi), produced and directed by Raphael Warjri. The film received a trophy, certificate and a cash prize of ₹50,000. APOT also won Best Music Director, awarded to Augustine Kurbah, who received a trophy, certificate and ₹20,000.
Among other major honours, Best Director was awarded to Prakash Deka for Nora (Assamese), while Best Screenwriter went to Sanjib Sabhapandit for Aakash Heno Nodir Naam (Assamese). Both awards carried a trophy, certificate and a cash prize of ₹20,000 each.
Best Cinematography was won by Aniruddha Barua for Taarikh, and Best Sound Design was awarded to Manas Protim Goswami for Nora. Priyakanta Laishram received Best Film Editor for Oneness (Manipur), while Best Art Director was conferred on Bhaskar Jyoti Kalita for Woodcutter (Assamese).
In the acting categories, Raju Roy won Best Actor (Male) for Noi Kotha (Assamese), while Rodali Bora received Best Actor (Female) for Burkha (Assamese). The jury awarded a Special Mention to Jatindranath Khanikar for his performances in Burkha and Gomon (Assamese).
Special jury recognitions were also extended to Brahmakanya (Assamese) by producer-director Dhiraj Kashyap, and Khajan Kishore Nath, director of Kangbo Aloti, a Karbi-language film.
A total of 26 films were officially selected from numerous submissions across the region. Meghalaya made a strong mark at the festival with three entries—APOT, Lanot and Tyngkai.
The festival was graced by National Award–winning actress and filmmaker Suhasini Mulay as the Guest of Honour, along with renowned filmmakers Manjula Barua and Jahnu Barua, in the presence of Mr. Mrinmoy Baruah, President, and Mr. Ranjit Das, Secretary of the Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards.
Addressing the gathering, Suhasini Mulay spoke on the immense creative potential of the North East while also highlighting the continued indifference and discriminatory attitudes faced by people from the region in mainstream India. She shared personal experiences of working with legendary filmmakers Mrinal Sen and Satyajit Ray, inspiring both filmmakers and audiences.
The 8th Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards once again reaffirmed its role as a significant platform for recognising and nurturing cinematic voices from North East India.
