The short documentary "Fehujali - The New Dawn," created by G P Singh, the director general of police in Assam, will be showcased at the Mumbai International Film Festival, starting on June 15.
According to Parthasarathi Mahanta, the film director and inspector general, the 19-minute film, which won the 'Best Short Documentary' award at the 7th New Delhi Film Festival in March, carries a powerful message for the youth of the state. The film urges them to avoid extremism and instead choose a path of purpose and integrity.
"We have seen some young boys and girls join the camps of terrorist outfits after falling victim to the various gimmicks being peddled. We decided to bring to the public domain true-life stories of disillusionment amongst those who had fallen prey to such propaganda campaigns and joined terrorist organisations,'' Singh said.
"The documentary serves as an awakening for the state's youth, shedding light on the struggles of marginalised youth ensnared by extremist factions," the director said, adding, "It depicts their journey from disillusionment to clarity, urging others to avoid the allure of extremism and pursue a path of righteousness."
The screening of "Fehujali" on June 21 at MIFF doesn't just acknowledge its cinematic brilliance but also underscores its significance as a potent instrument for raising awareness and instigating change, as emphasized by Mahanta.
The Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), a seven-day event, is South Asia's oldest and biggest platform for showcasing short films, documentaries, and animations.