The 9th Assam State Film Awards for the years 2020 and 2021 were presented by the Governor of Assam, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati.

Major Award Winners

Best Film and Best Director

• 2020:
  
  • Best Film: Balconit Bhagawan (God on the Balcony)
  • Director: Biswajit Bora

• 2021:
  • Best Film: Sabda Nishabda Kolahal
  • Director: Dhanjit Das
  • The film won four awards, making it the most successful film of 2021.

Lifetime and Special Awards

• Lifetime Achievement Awards:
  • 2020: Jayanta Bhagawati
  • 2021: Dinesh Das
• Jayanta Hazarika Award:
  • 2020: Shankar Lall Goenka
  • 2021: JP Das

Short Film and Documentary Awards

• Short Film Category:
  • 2020: Kumu by Akansha Bhagawati
  • 2021: Xogun by Utpal Barpujari
• Documentary Category:
  • 2020: Screaming Butterflies by Aimee Baruah
  • 2021: Breaking the Silence by Parthajit Baruah

Music and Literary Awards

• Best Male Playback Singer:
  • 2020: Shankuraj Konwar
  • 2021: Rupam Bhuyan
• Best Female Playback Singer:
  • 2020: Zubilee Baruah and Meghan Scott
  • 2021: Mamani Kalita
• Best Article Writing on Cinema:
  • 2020: Aparajita Pujari
  • 2021: Dr Dipshika Bhagawati

Historical and Cultural Significance

• The Governor highlighted the pioneering role of Jyotiprasad Agarwala, whose film Joymoti (1935) laid the foundation of Assamese cinema.
• He also paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika, whose music promoted humanity, unity, and Assamese culture globally.
• The awards aim to strengthen Assam’s film industry with support from the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation Limited.

Statement MCQ 

Consider the following statements regarding Assam State Film Awards:

• Statement 1: The Assam State Film Awards are given to promote excellence in Assamese cinema.
• Statement 2: The first Assamese film Joymoti was directed by Jyotiprasad Agarwala.
• Statement 3: Sabda Nishabda Kolahal won Best Film award for 2021.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 only

Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3

Exam Hook 

Who directed the first Assamese film Joymoti (1935)?
(a) Bhupen Hazarika
(b) Jyotiprasad Agarwala
(c) Jahnu Barua
(d) Bishnu Prasad Rabha

Answer: (b) Jyotiprasad Agarwala

One-line wrap:
The Assam State Film Awards highlight the growth of Assamese cinema and its vital role in preserving cultural identity and storytelling.

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