NEW DELHI, March 7 � In a major disappointment, Assamese films drew a blank at the 59th National Film Award 2011, announced here today. The only solace was that Manoj Barpujari was given Best Film Critic Award (Assamese and English). The Swarna Kamal carries a cash award of Rs 75,000.
Phijigee Mani (Manipuri) was adjudged as the best Manipuri film in the regional film category. The film directed by Leishangthem Tonthoingambi Devi has been awarded Rajat Kamal. She also won the Best Supporting Actress Award.
The best debut film of a director was awarded to a Manipuri film The Silent Post produced by Borun Thokchom.
Noted film critic and author Manoj Barpujari had also edited a book on the history of cinema of Assam, Perspectives on Cinema of Assam jointly with Dr Garima Kalita. The book features a number of articles written by well known authors who have traced the evolution of cinema in Assam from its birth to the contemporary stage including documentary and the growth of the film industry.
