(January 27, 2010) An acclaimed feature film in local language made by the Salesians
of Don Bosco in the northeastern Indian state of Tripura has won a national award
in the category of ‘Best Feature Film in languages other than those specified in the
Schedule VIII of the Constitution’. The film titled ‘Yarwng’, or ‘roots’ in Kokborok
language is among the 56th National Film Awards that was announced by Union Minister
for Information and Broadcasting, Ambika Soni, on 23rd January in New Delhi. It is
the first time the Northeast Indian state of Tripura wins a national film award.
Ever since its release in September 2008, the 95 minute long feature film has been
screened at over 40 international film festival venues across the world, including
New York, Stuttgart, Moscow, Brisbane, Dhaka and Taiwan. Produced and directed by
Salesian priests Joseph Kizhakechennadu and Joseph Pulinthanath, respectively, of
Don Bosco Sampari Pictures, the film takes a significant look at the displacement
of thousands of indigenous people in Tripura on account of the Gumti Hydel project.
The cast of ‘Yarwng’, which New York Times described as a ‘rare glimpse into tribal
India’ is made up mostly of indigenous people who are themselves victims of displacement
and had no experience whatsoever in acting. The President of India, Pratibha Patil
will give away the National Film Awards in March 2010.