Two Assamese feature films Romantic Affairs and Aakuti (Longing) have been selected for the competition section of the New York Indian Film Festival 2026 (NYIFF), marking their presence on the international film platform.

Directed by Monjul Baruah, Romantic Affairs has received nominations for Best Film and Best Actress (Kasvi Sonkorison). The film is competing alongside other selected titles including Baksho Bondi, Victoria, Flowers of Acacia, Boong, and The Elysian Field.

Directed by Snigdha P. Roy, Aakuti (Longing) has been nominated for Best Debut Film and Best Child Actor (Kavisha Mahanta).

Producer Sanjive Narain shared his reaction on Instagram, stating that the nominations for Best Film and Best Actress feel significant and reflect the journey of the project. Executive producer Tanuja P. Roy also expressed appreciation on social media, describing the selection as encouraging for the team.

Aakuti (Longing) presents the emotional journey of an eight-year-old girl, Lakhi, who struggles with the loss of her mother and seeks emotional connection while navigating her relationship with her father. The narrative focuses on the evolving father-daughter bond amid personal and emotional challenges.

Romantic Affairs follows a teenage girl navigating identity formation and personal choices during adolescence. The story explores her search for self-understanding and the impact of her decisions on relationships with family and peers.

The festival is organised by the Indo-American Arts Council and is one of the established platforms for Indian and diaspora cinema in North America. The 2026 edition is scheduled to be held in New York City from May 28 to 31, opening with Boong, featuring Flowers of Acacia as the centerpiece, and closing with Tighee (Motherhood).