The Assamese feature films Romantic Affairs and Aakuti (Longing), directed by Monjul Baruah and Snigdha P. Roy respectively, have achieved a significant international milestone by being selected for the competition section of the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) 2026.

According to the official nominations list, both films feature alongside leading titles this year, including Baksho Bondi, Victoria, Flowers of Acacia, Boong, and The Elysian Field, all of which have emerged as strong contenders across categories.

Romantic Affairs has been nominated for Best Film and Best Actress (Kasvi Sonkorison), while Aakuti (Longing) has secured nominations for Best Debut Film and Best Child Actor (Kavisha Mahanta).

Celebrating the recognition, Romantic Affairs producer Sanjive Narain wrote on Instagram, “With nominations for Best Film and Best Actress, this moment feels truly special. More than an achievement, it feels like a reminder of why we started this journey.”

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Similarly, Tanuja P. Roy, executive producer of Aakuti, shared on Facebook, “Grateful, overwhelmed and excited for what lies ahead. This is just the beginning.”

Aakuti traces the emotional journey of a child and the quiet, tender bond between a father and daughter as they navigate life together, while Romantic Affairs is a coming-of-age story of a young girl negotiating the complexities of adolescence and identity.

The New York Indian Film Festival, presented by the Indo-American Arts Council, is North America’s oldest and most prestigious festival dedicated to Indian cinema and the diaspora. It showcases alternative and independent films from across the global Indian community.

The 2026 edition, scheduled to take place in New York City from May 28 to 31, will present a curated selection of feature films, documentaries, and short films reflecting the diversity of Indian storytelling.

Lakshmipriya Devi’s Boong will open the festival, while Anmol Sidhu’s Flowers of Acacia has been selected as the centrepiece film. Jeejivisha Rajshekhar Kale’s Tighee (Motherhood) will serve as the closing film.

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