A still from Satikar Andhakar

Guwahati, Nov. 8: Andy Garcia, Cameron Diaz, Daryl Hannah, George Clooney, Vin Diesel and, now, Sadananda Gogoi of Assam.

The singer-turned-filmmaker has just joined the league of Hollywood biggies after winning the best international directorial debut at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival for his evocative love story, Satikar Andhakar (Darkness of the Century).

The 20-minute film, in fact, has another tale behind it.

A few years ago, Gogoi had approached award-winning filmmaker Bhabendra Nath Saikia to write a script for a film based on a true story. But Saikia passed away even before he could begin work on the script.

Gogoi wrote his own script, made his first film and the rest, as they say, is cinematic history.

On November 2, he won the coveted award in New York.

The film festival, which is considered one of the most prestigious among the world’s several independent film events, is also known as “the voice for independent films”.

“The script of the film was based on a real story which unfolded in Dispur several years ago. I was touched by this tragic love story and decided to make a film on it,” Gogoi said.

“Later I booked an entry in the festival, sent my film and here I am.”

A special screening of the film was organised in Guwahati today.

Satikar Andhakar revolves around the story of an upper caste girl marrying a lower caste boy despite severe opposition from their families. She finally kills herself to save her husband.

The male protagonist is played by Dhubri superintendent of police Partha Sarathi Mahanta, who is also an accomplished actor. “It was a pleasure working with Sadananda Gogoi as he is very professional. Moreover, he first takes note of the abilities of the actor and then uses him or her. This made things very easy for us,” Mahanta said over phone.

It sure was, as the honour amply attests.