SHILLONG: The state government has felicitated the cast and crew members of Onaatah, of the Earth which won the Rajat Kamal Award for Best Khasi Feature Film at the 63rd National Film Award 2016 at a function held at Galleria Anjalee Cinema Hall here. The felicitation ceremony was graced by the Minister of Information and Public Relations A L Hek as the Chief Guest. Other guests included Paul Lyngdoh, MLA, producers Pomu Das and Shankar Lal Goenka.
Speaking on the occasion, Hek congratulated the team of Onaatah, of the Earth for putting Khasi feature Film on the global map. He added that Kurbah Films has taken cinema to a different level as far as the State and North East is concerned. Hek said that the award winning film is testimony that there is no dearth of talent in the State.
“Winning any award demonstrates that with commitment and great determination come success and accolades,” said Hek as he expressed hope that this award will be an inspiration to the younger generation.
Others who spoke on the occasion were director of Information and public Relations, H M Shangpliang, Shankar Lal Goenka, Producer/Film Distributor and Pradip Kurbah, Director.
The film was produced by Pomu Das and Marjina Kurbah of Kurbah Films in association with 3ME Entertainment, Maiti Pictures and Cat & Mouse Entertainment (Mumbai). The film was co-produced by Arpana Kurbah, Jova Kurbah, Arhendimi Pala, Mayvaria Lyngdoh, Vishakha Singh, Ramesh Sharma, Shaiju Nambiadath, Pradip Daimary and Shankar Lal Goenka. Apart from bagging the Best Feature film in each of the languages other than those specified in the Schedule VIII of the Constitution at the 63rd National Film Award, the film also had official selections at the Hong Kong World International Film Festival 2016, the Habitat Film Festival 2016 and the Opening Film, Festival of Cinma Manipur 2016.
Shankar Lal Goenka was felicitated for winning the Best Picture in Bodo language at the 63rd National Film Award 2016 for the feature film Dau Huduni Methai. He is also the co-producer and distributor of Onaatah, of the Earth.
Goenka was conferred with the Dada Saheb Phalke Academy Award in the year 2009 for his contribution to Indian cinema. Kurbah, director of the award winning film Onaatah, of the Earth started his career with his first film Mon Bajwat (1997-98) followed by Hep (2004-05). He also directed Dei Ma Phi (2007-08) and Meshwa bad Melody (2012). Then came Ri-Homeland of Uncertainty (2013-14) and Onaatah- of the Earth.
