Assamese Film ‘Hiraeth’ to Have World Premiere at Chicago South Asian Film Festival 2025
GUWAHATI- The Assamese feature film ‘Hiraeth’, written, shot, and directed by Chow Partha Borgohain, has been officially selected for the in-competition category at the prestigious 16th Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF), scheduled to be held from September 14 to 21, 2025.
The film will have its world premiere at CSAFF alongside acclaimed works from around the globe. The festival’s opening night red carpet is set for September 19 in downtown Chicago, while the closing ceremony will take place on September 21.
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Shot primarily in Dibrugarh, Assam, ‘Hiraeth’ is a social realism drama following the journey of Pori, a village woman whose life is torn apart by a catastrophic flood. Forced to migrate to the city with her husband, she confronts the harsh realities of socio-economic disparity, corruption, and exploitation. The film stars Meghali Kalita, Ashim Kumar Sharma, and Atanu Mahanta, and runs for 100 minutes in the Assamese language.
Speaking on the selection, Borgohain expressed gratitude, saying:
“I am overwhelmed and happy with the recognition this film is receiving. The story reflects the struggles of people on the margins — whose pain and sweat often fuel the progress of others. This film is for all those who endure with dignity but remain unseen. Through Pori’s journey, I hope to spark reflection on the inequalities we have come to accept as normal. Life is too short; live every moment to the fullest.”
The cast also includes Dipankar Sharma, Archana Bezbaruah, Vishwa Kinkar Baruah, Hemanta Rajkonwar, Smritirekha Chetia Handique, Pradipta Pran Bhattacharya, Rimjhim Deka, Rumi Sharma Pathak, and Bhoirab Phukan.
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Produced by Sengpem Borgohain, with Subhitya Borgohain and Ruchie Baruah as executive producers, the film’s technical crew features cinematography by Borgohain himself, production design by Jayanta Gogoi, editing by Kavin Adithya, and music by AT Ram. The team also includes Delepan Rajan and Dhiru (colorists), Nabapan Deka (sound designer), Rhitwik Raj Pathak (re-recording mixer), Bishal Nath (location sound), and VFX by Pixel Light Studio, Rza Boitlung, and Dhrubajit Kalita. Costumes and make-up were handled by Paran Sharma and Mandita Goswami, with Victor Das as first assistant director.
Born in Along, Arunachal Pradesh in 1986, Borgohain grew up in various districts of Arunachal Pradesh due to his father’s service in the state police. After earning a degree in Visual Arts from Madras Christian College, he studied film and motion photography at Mindscreen Film Institute, Chennai, and has since built a career as a freelance cinematographer and director.
The Chicago South Asian Film Festival is among the largest in North America, showcasing diverse stories from South Asia and its diaspora through film screenings, Q&As, panel discussions, and cultural events.
