Written by Kaushik Nath
Assamese filmmaker Khanjan Kishore Nath is set to mark a milestone in his cinematic journey as his Karbi-language feature film Kangbo Aloti (The Lost Path) makes its European premiere at the 23rd Indian Film Festival Stuttgart 2026 in Germany.
The festival has a distinguished lineup of contemporary Indian cinema.
The screening marks his return to the prestigious German festival after a gap of thirteen years. His association with the festival dates back to 2013, when his acclaimed short film Saknoia (The River Flows) was screened there, introducing his distinctive storytelling to European audiences.
Returning with a feature film after more than a decade represents an important moment in the evolution of his filmmaking career and reflects his continued commitment to telling stories rooted in the culture and realities of Assam.
The international journey of Kangbo Aloti extends beyond Europe. The film has also been officially selected for the Regina International Film Festival & Awards (RIFFA) 2026 in Canada, one of the country’s prominent Academy Award-qualifying film festivals.
Shot in the Karbi language, Kangbo Aloti draws heavily from the director’s own childhood experiences in the hill regions of Assam. Having spent much of his school years around Baithalangso, Khanjan channels memories of the landscape, people, and culture into a story that is both intimate and politically resonant. A native of Nagaon, the filmmaker has consistently worked to preserve and promote the history, traditions, and lived experiences of the Karbi community through his films.
Set against the socio-political realities of the region, Kangbo Aloti follows the journey of a young man assigned the task of recruiting new members for a militant organisation. His mission takes him to a remote village, where an unexpected encounter with a schoolteacher gradually begins to challenge his convictions.
As the narrative unfolds, what starts as an ideological assignment transforms into a deeply personal exploration of conscience, identity, and redemption.
The film focuses on the internal struggles of its protagonist. It examines how doubt, empathy, and human connection can reshape long-held beliefs, offering a nuanced reflection on violence, loyalty, and the search for meaning amid prolonged unrest.
Khanjan Kishore Nath has earned a reputation for creating films that foreground indigenous voices and regional identities while engaging with themes of universal relevance.
His work frequently bridges local realities with global conversations, allowing audiences from different cultural backgrounds to connect with stories rooted in Assam.
Kangbo Aloti (The Lost Path) is a testament to the richness of Karbi culture and the evolving global presence of filmmakers from Assam, carrying local histories and human stories onto some of the world’s most respected festival screens.