By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 1: Rimdogittanga (Rapture) by Dominic Megam Sangma has been recognised as the Best Garo Film at the 71st National Film Awards, announced on Friday.
The award celebrates the film’s lyrical storytelling and poignant portrayal of faith, death, and everyday life in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya.
This marks the second National Award for Dominic Megam Sangma, further cementing his place as one of the most significant contemporary voices from Northeast India in Indian cinema.
Known for his deeply atmospheric and introspective films rooted in Garo culture, Dominic continues to create stories that transcend regional boundaries.
Rimdogittanga, meaning Rapture, delves into the existential anxieties of a Christian village haunted by the fear of the prophesied end of the world. Set against the mystical landscape of Meghalaya, the film delicately weaves spiritual tension, personal loss, and cultural memory into a haunting cinematic journey.
An alumnus of the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), Dominic currently serves as the Head of the Screenplay Writing Department at the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), Itanagar, where he mentors emerging storytellers from the Northeast.
“This award is dedicated to the people of Meghalaya, especially the people of the Garo Hills,” Dominic said.
“I hope this award will inspire more young filmmakers from the region to tell stories of this place and tell them with courage and sincerity. I am forever indebted to my amazing cast and crew for making this film possible.”
With this honour, Dominic Sangma continues to bridge the gap between regional narratives and national consciousness, championing cinema that is both deeply rooted and universally resonant.
