Presented in honour of legendary filmmaker Federico Fellini, the award recognises his extraordinary contribution to world cinema and enduring influence on generations of filmmakers. The festival programme was curated by acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf, who also presented Kashyap with the award.

For the young filmmaker, the recognition marks another significant milestone in the film’s growing international journey. Kok Kok Kokoook is having its European premiere at the Lucania Film Festival, following its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival. It later travelled to festivals including the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) and the Dhaka International Film Festival. Official festival listings confirm the film’s international screenings and Kashyap’s role as its writer-director. (Busan International Film Festival)

Made as Kashyap’s graduation film at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kok Kok Kokoook has travelled an impressive path from a film-school project to international festival recognition.

The Assamese film follows Siken, a migrant chicken seller whose beloved RX100 motorcycle holds a deeply personal place in his life. When the motorcycle goes missing and he fears being framed in a false police case, his grief and anxiety take an increasingly surreal turn as he begins to transform into the motorcycle himself.

Blending magic realism with contemporary social and political themes, the film explores migration, marginalisation, identity and the anxieties of life in Assam and India. The Busan programme note similarly describes the film as a Kafkaesque and mythical exploration of minorities struggling to survive amid catastrophe. (Busan International Film Festival)

“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 said.

He added that receiving an award named after one of cinema’s greatest filmmakers and having it presented by another celebrated figure of world cinema had filled him with renewed enthusiasm and inspiration to explore new ideas.

Kashyap also dedicated the recognition to his cast and crew, expressing gratitude for their collective efforts in bringing the film to life.

His body of work has already attracted international attention. His short film The Horse From Heaven was an official entry for the 2023 Oscars and won Best Film at festivals including the VGIK Film Festival, Golden Raven Film Festival and Bengaluru International Short Film Festival. His nonfiction film Flowers in a Hailstorm premiered at the Nara International Film Festival in Japan.

With the Secret Program Fellini Award, Kashyap’s distinctive Assamese voice has earned yet another place on the international festival circuit, marking an encouraging new chapter for Indian independent cinema.