A poster of the movie

Shillong, April 16: Meghalaya today found a place in the long list of achievers in the 61st National Film Awards for 2013, which were announced today.

Under the category of best feature film in each of the language specified other than the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution, Ri — Homeland of Uncertainty, was adjudged the best Khasi film.

The citation for the award reads: “A complex tale of insurgency and reconciliation set in the turbulent Northeast state of Meghalaya.” The award, a Rajat Kamal (silver lotus), carries a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh each for the film’s producer and director.

The film, directed by Pradip Kurbah, was previewed since January this year and is expected to be released in Shillong and the other parts of the Northeast in June.

Ri is a very human story revolving around varied emotions and the essence of humanity itself. It is a fictitious depiction of dynamic societal change and its impact on various mindsets.

An elated Kurbah said the award came as a surprise, but he expressed happiness that the film was able to make a break at the national level.

“With this award, we hope that the audience response to the film will amplify,” Kurbah said, adding that the award would be given on May 3.

Best film: Ajeyo, directed by Jahnu Barua, was adjudged the best feature film in Assamese at the 61st National Film Awards announced today. The film, produced by Shiven Arts, is an adaptation of writer Arun Sarma’s award-winning novel Axirbador Rong, reports our Guwahati correspondent.