Shillong, May 13: The Government of Meghalaya today 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 glittering function held at Galleria Anjalee Cinema Hall, Shillong. The felicitation ceremony was graced by the Meghalaya Minister of Information and Public Relations, Mr. A L Hek as the Chief Guest. Other guests included Mr. Paul Lyngdoh, MLA, Producers Mr. Pomu Das and Mr. Shankar Lall Goenka.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hek congratulated the team of Onaatah, of the earth for putting Khasi Feature Film on the global map. Adding that Kurbah Films has taken cinema to a different level as far as the State and North East is concerned, Mr. Hek said that the award winning film is testimony that there is no dearth of talents in the State and we need to nurture these talents so that films from the region can be at par with the rest of the world. “Winning any award demonstrates that with commitment and great determination come success and accolades,” said Mr. Hek and expressed hoped that this award will be an inspiration to the younger generation who wants to make a dent in the film industry.
Others who spoke on the occasion were Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr. H M Shangpliang who delivered the welcome address, Mr. Shankar Lall Goenka, Producer/Film Distributor and Mr. Pradip Kurbah, Director.
The film Onaatah of the earth revolves around a girl who is on a journey to rediscover the purpose of life and the diversity of relationships. 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 is produced and co-produced by Arpana Kurbah, Jova Kurbah, Arhendimi Pala, Mayvaria Lyngdoh, Vishakha Singh, Ramesh Sharma, Shaiju Nambiadath, Pradip Daimary and Shankar Lall 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.
Mr. Shankar Lall Goenka, a pioneer of film exhibition in the State, 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 Producer and distributor of Onaatah, of the earth. It may also be mentioned that Mr. Goenka was conferred with the Dada Saheb Phalke Academy Award in the year 2009 for his contribution to Indian cinema. He was also the recipient of Rajat Kamal for the Best Picture in Assamese language for the picture Ajeyoproduced by him in 2014.
Mr. Pradeep Kurbah, director of the award winning film Onaatah, of the earth started his career with his first film Mon Bajwat in the year 1997-98 followed by Hep in 2004-05. He also directed Dei Ma Phi in 2007-08 and Meshwa bad Melody in 2012. Then came the two big ones, Ri-Homeland of Uncertainty in 2013-14 and Onaatah- of the Earth, both of which won the National Film Award. Mr. Kurbah transforms the Khasi Film Industry and gives it that much needed thrust that would take it to new heights.
