Assamese feature film ‘Moi Eti Nixhasor’ (Koduwa the Nightbird) won the Best Dark Comedy and Best Editor awards at the 59th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival 2026 in the United States.

About the Film

• The film is written and directed by Bidyut Kotoky, a National Award-winning filmmaker.
• Editing of the film was done by Pallavi Kotoky.
• The movie is based on a true story written by Assamese journalist Anuradha Sharma Pujari.
• It has been produced by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) along with production house Red River & Blue Hills.

• The story of the film revolves around Koduwa (played by Gunomoni Baruah), a clever village thief navigating Assam’s social and political realities.

Awards and International Recognition

• The film received:
  • Platinum Remi Award for Best Dark Comedy.
  • Gold Remi Award for Best Editing.
• The WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival is one of the oldest independent film festivals in the world, founded in 1961.
• Earlier editions of the festival recognised internationally renowned filmmakers such as:
  • Steven Spielberg
  • George Lucas
  • Ang Lee
• The film was also earlier recognised at:
  • Accolade Global Film Competition (USA).
  • Covellite International Film Festival 2026.

About National Film Development Corporation (NFDC)

• NFDC functions under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• It is a Central Public Sector Undertaking, established in 1975, to encourage high quality Indian cinema.
• It functions in areas of film financing, production and distribution
• NFDC was further expanded when the Films Division, Directorate of Film. Festivals, National Film Archives of India, and Children’s Film Society, India were merged with it in 2020.
• Objectives include:
  • Promoting quality Indian cinema.
  • Supporting regional films.
  • Encouraging independent filmmakers.

Exam Hook – Prelims Question

The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) operates under which Ministry?

(a) Ministry of Culture
(b) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
(c) Ministry of Education
(d) Ministry of Tourism

Answer: (b) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

One-Line Wrap

The international success of ‘Moi Eti Nixhasor’ reflects the rising global appeal of Assamese cinema and the growing strength of India’s regional storytelling traditions.

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