Meghalaya filmmaker Dominic Megam Sangma’s film Rimdogittanga won the National Film Award for Best Garo Feature at the 71st National Film Awards, presented by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Produced by Anna Films, Uncombed Buddha, and Joicy Studio, the film has been recognised for its immersive rural storytelling rooted in folklore and communal tension. It explores themes of fear, prophecy, and social division through the perspective of a 10-year-old boy. The award includes a Rajat Kamal and a cash prize of Rs 2,00,000.
The 71st National Film Awards honour excellence in Indian cinema across feature films, non-feature films, books, and critics’ submissions. This year, the awards received 332 entries in the feature film category, 115 in non-feature films, 27 books, and 16 critics’ submissions.
During the ceremony, President Murmu also presented the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023 to actor Mohanlal, recognising his versatile performances across a range of emotions.
The President highlighted the increasing recognition of women-centric films, noting that several awarded films depict the struggles, resilience, and courage of women in the face of social challenges, patriarchy, and family responsibilities. She commended filmmakers for their sensitive portrayal of such stories.
