Pune film fest: First internationally co-produced Assamese film chosen

The first internationally co-produced Assamese film has been selected for screening at the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF).

Murders Too Close – Love Too Far, an India-Israel project co-directed by Assamese filmmaker Manju Borah and her Israeli counterpart Dan Wolman, will be screened on January 17 and 19, 2026, in the Global Cinema section.

The film marks a significant milestone for the Assamese film industry as it involves a foreign production house for the first time. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting supported the film through the National Film Development Corporation.

“The entire film was shot in Assam using a local film crew, reinforcing the State’s growing technical and creative capability in international cinematic collaborations,” Ms. Borah, who wrote the screenplay with Mr. Wolman, said. She co-produced the 108-minute crime drama with Mr. Wolman and Amir Gedalia.

Set against the backdrop of a rural police station, the story follows senior CBI officer Ram Chaudhary, who is assigned to investigate the murder of two policemen. During the investigation, he encounters Gita, a gifted artist whose work explores mob psychology and collective behaviour.

As their relationship deepens, further murders complicate the case, intertwining personal emotions with procedural investigation, ultimately leading to a gripping revelation.

Ms. Borah noted that the project reflects the growing scope of Assamese cinema on international platforms and demonstrates how local stories can connect with global audiences through strong narratives and technical excellence.

“Being selected at PIFF is a proud moment not just for our film, but for Assamese cinema. This project shows that stories from Assam can find space on global platforms when backed by strong collaboration and local talent,” she said.

Mr. Wolman, who has directed internationally acclaimed films such as Hide and Seek, Precious Life, and Judas, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 49^th International Film Festival of India in 2018 for his contribution to world cinema.

Ms. Borah, on the other hand, is known for her culturally rooted cinema that addresses social, indigenous, and women-centric themes. Their partnership blends international storytelling sensibilities with strong regional authenticity.

The film stars Siddharth Nipon Goswami, Shaminn Mannan, Seema Biswas, Bhagirathi Bai Kadam, and Adil Hussain. The cinematography is by Partha Borgohain, editing by Eyal Amir, sound design by Debajit Gayan, and music by Sanket Joshi.