Assamese Films ‘Romantic Affairs’ & ‘Aakuti’ Enter Competition At NYIFF 2026

Two Assamese feature films, Romantic Affairs and Aakuti (Longing), have been selected for the competition section of the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) 2026, marking a notable international presence for Assamese cinema.

Directed by Monjul Baruah, Romantic Affairs has received nominations for Best Film and Best Actress, with Kasvi Sonkorison recognised in the acting category.

Aakuti (Longing), directed by Snigdha P Roy, has been nominated for Best Debut Film and Best Child Actor, with Kavisha Mahanta earning the latter nomination.

The two films are part of a competitive line-up that includes titles such as Baksho Bondi, Victoria, Flowers of Acacia, Boong and The Elysian Field, all of which are in contention across multiple categories this year.

Responding to the nominations, Romantic Affairs producer Sanjive Narain said in a social media post that the recognition reflects the purpose behind the film’s journey.

Tanuja P Roy, executive producer of Aakuti (Longing), also acknowledged the selection, describing it as an encouraging start for the film.

Aakuti (Longing) centres on the relationship between a father and daughter, focusing on their shared emotional experiences as they navigate everyday life.

Romantic Affairs follows a young girl’s transition through adolescence, exploring the decisions and circumstances that shape her identity.

The New York Indian Film Festival, organised by the Indo-American Arts Council, is regarded as one of the longest-running platforms in North America dedicated to Indian and diaspora cinema.

The festival focuses on independent and alternative filmmaking from across the global Indian community.

The 2026 edition will be held in New York City from May 28 to 31, 2026.

The programme includes a selection of feature films, documentaries and short films.

This year’s opening film will be Lakshmipriya Devi’s Boong, while Flowers of Acacia by Anmol Sidhu has been selected as the centrepiece film.

The festival will close with Tighee (Motherhood) directed by Jeejivisha Rajshekhar Kale.

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