Written by Kaushik Nath
Assamese indigenous feature film River Tales, directed by Dr. Pankaj Borah, has been selected for screening at the prestigious 25th New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), marking an achievement for regional cinema from Northeast India.
The festival is scheduled to be held from July 10 to July 26, 2026, across prominent venues in New York City, including Film at Lincoln Center, SVA Theatre, and the Korean Cultural Center.
The selection situates River Tales, also written as Noi Kotha, among a diverse lineup of films representing some of the most compelling cinematic voices from across Asia. It also offers an international platform for a story that is deeply rooted in the ecology, culture, and lived realities of Assam.
Set against the tranquil yet dynamic riverine landscapes of the state, River Tales revolves around the Ratuwa River, a lifeline for generations of fishing communities whose existence is intricately tied to its waters.
Through its narrative, the film explores the intimate relationship between a river and the people who depend upon it, capturing both the rhythms of everyday life and the uncertainties brought about by environmental change.
The film is a meditation on the life cycle of a river. It portrays not only the sustenance and identity that the Ratuwa provides to local communities but also the gradual decline of a fragile ecosystem and the far-reaching consequences that follow.
By focusing on the living and dying of a river, the film raises broader questions about ecological degradation, cultural survival, and the future of river-dependent societies.
The film had earlier received recognition at the Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2026, where it was honoured with the North East Spotlight Award in January. The accolade drew attention to the film’s artistic merit and its sensitive portrayal of environmental and social realities unique to the region.
Dr. Pankaj Borah’s work is known for its strong connection to indigenous narratives and local landscapes, and River Tales continues that tradition by presenting a story that is both regionally specific and universally relevant.
The film transforms a local environmental concern into a powerful cinematic experience that resonates beyond geographical boundaries.
A notable contribution to the film comes from acclaimed sound designer Debajit Gayan, whose work enriches the narrative by capturing the sonic textures of the river and its surroundings.
The soundscape plays a crucial role in immersing viewers in the world of the film, reflecting both the vitality and vulnerability of the ecosystem at the heart of the story.
River Tales is a compelling example of cinema’s power to document, preserve, and question the changing relationship between people and nature, while bringing the voices of Assam’s river communities to an international stage.