Nabapan Deka, the director of the Assamese short film Xunyota (Void), is a storyteller with a difference who believes in picking up somewhat uncommon stories.

After winning several accolades in different film festivals, including the ‘Special Jury Award’ at the Kolkata International Film Festival in 2022, Xunyota was adjudged as the Best Short Film at the 70^th National Film Awards.

In conversation with Dipankar Sarkar, Deka gives an insight into his filmmaking process and the journey so far.

Dipankar Sarkar: Xunyota won the Special Jury Award at the Kolkata International Film Festival in 2022, and now it has won the Best Short Film at the 70th National Film Award. How important is it to you and your team?  

Nabapan Deka: Every recognition is important for me, my team, and the film itself. It inspires us to work even harder and continue creating meaningful work in the future. We are genuinely thrilled that Xunyota was not only selected for the prestigious Kolkata International Film Festival but also honoured with the Best Short Film award at the National Film Awards. This achievement is a significant success and a deeply proud moment for all of us.

Dipankar Sarkar: How did you get the idea for the short film?   

Nabapan Dek: Xunyota was born out of a desire to express the inexpressible. I wanted to explore how the absence of words and emotions can sometimes speak louder than anything else.

It’s in those quiet, unspoken moments that the depth of our emotions can be truly felt.

Xunyota is an attempt to capture that profound sense of loss and the powerful impact of what is left unsaid.

Behind The Scenes (Xunyota)

Dipankar Sarkar: You've also done the sound design for the film. What was your thought process when you were writing the screenplay? 

Nabapan Deka:  Xunyota centres around silence and loss. I knew the sound design needed to do more than just accompany the visuals—it needed to help tell the story.

I wanted to use sound to convey the emotions that the characters couldn’t express through words. By carefully choosing when to use sound and when to embrace silence, I aimed to create an atmosphere that would allow the audience to truly feel the weight of the unspoken moments.

My goal was to ensure that the sound design added an extra layer of depth to the film, making the silence as powerful as any dialogue.

Dipankar Sarkar: Bidya Bharti portrays the role of Bina with restraint, and her performance strengthens the narrative. How was your experience working with her? 

Nabapan Deka: Bidya did a commendable job. Throughout the film, she beautifully moulded herself into the character and maintained the emotional depth needed for portraying Bina.

She captured the character's nuances with grace and subtlety that enriched the narrative. Her quiet intensity brought a unique strength to the role. Working with her was a truly rewarding experience.

Dipankar Sarkar: What are you currently working on?  

Nabapan Deka: As a professional sound designer, I am currently working on the sound design for two Assamese films and one Hindi web series. Simultaneously, I am also in the process of writing another story.

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