Guwahati: Assamese filmmaker Maharshi Tuhin Kashyap has won the ‘Secret Program Fellini’ Award at the 27th Lucania Film Festival in Pisticci, Basilicata, Italy, for his debut feature film Kok Kok Kokoook.
The award, named after legendary Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, honours his contribution to world cinema and his influence on filmmakers across generations, according to a release issued on Monday.
Kok Kok Kokoook was selected for the festival’s Secret Program, curated by acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf, who presented the award to Kashyap.
The recognition comes as the film makes its European premiere at the Lucania Film Festival. Its international festival journey began with a world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival, followed by screenings at the International Film Festival of Kerala and the Dhaka International Film Festival.
Kashyap directed Kok Kok Kokoook as his graduation project at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI). The film centres on Siken, a migrant chicken seller whose beloved RX100 motorcycle goes missing.
Worried that the incident could lead to him being falsely implicated in a police case, Siken becomes increasingly distressed. The story takes an unusual turn when he eventually transforms into the motorcycle itself.
Combining magic realism with social commentary, the film looks at contemporary politics in Assam and India while exploring the struggles, anxieties and vulnerabilities faced by migrant communities.
“Having our film ‘Kok Kok Kokoook’ curated by legendary filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf, and receiving an award from him, feels like a dream. His films have always deeply influenced and inspired me,” Kashyap told PTI.
Kashyap said the recognition was especially significant because the award carries the name of Federico Fellini and was presented by another influential figure in world cinema.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the film’s cast and crew, saying the achievement belonged to the entire team behind Kok Kok Kokoook.
The film marks Kashyap’s feature-length directorial debut. His short film The Horse From Heaven was an official entry at the 2023 Oscars and has won Best Film honours at festivals including the VGIK Film Festival, Golden Raven Film Festival and Bengaluru International Short Film Festival.
His non-fiction film Flowers In A Hailstorm premiered at the Nara International Film Festival in Japan.
From its beginnings as a graduation project at SRFTI to winning an award at an Italian film festival, Kok Kok Kokoook marks another major step in Kashyap’s growing international filmmaking journey.