Guwahati, May 5: Pranami Koch, a filmmaker from Guwahati in Assam, is earning national and international acclaim for her documentary “Koro Gochongni (Echoes Within)”, which explores the lives, histories, and cultural identity of women from the Koch tribe in Garo Hills, Meghalaya.

The film centers on women from three Koch villages—Harigaon near Garobadha, Borkona near Mankachar, and Kumligaon in Ampati, as well as Bashbari.

It was officially selected as the only Indian entry in the prestigious Short Documentary Competition category at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), where it had its World Premiere in November 2024.

Most recently, it was selected for the European Media Art Festival (EMAF) in April 2025, where it had its German Premiere in the International Selection section. Alongside 31 other short films, Pranami Koch’s film was recognized as an equal winner of the EMAF Award. Additionally, it was nominated for the EMAF Media Art Award of the Association of German Film Critics (VdFk).

“Koro Gochongni” is both a cultural and personal exploration for Pranami, who draws on her own roots as a Koch woman. Through intimate narratives and immersive visuals, the documentary delves into the Koch community’s matrilineal traditions, language, and customs. It reflects on the ongoing challenges of cultural preservation in the face of modernization and assimilation.

The film captures how Koch women uphold cultural heritage and community identity, despite the pressures of changing social dynamics. In doing so, it not only presents a portrait of the community but also documents Pranami’s personal journey to reconnect with her ancestral roots and understand her place within the complex cultural landscape of India. It involves understanding the significance of language, traditions, and customs in shaping her identity.

In addition to its international recognition, Pranami recently won Best Director for “Koro Gochongni” at the National Tribal Film and Literature Festival 2025, organised by Assam Institute of Research for Tribals and Scheduled Castes sponsored by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt. Of India.

Pranami Koch’s work stands as a powerful example of how film can serve as a medium for reclaiming identity, amplifying marginalized voices, and celebrating the rich cultural mosaic of India’s tribal communities. He achievement showcases her dedication to storytelling and cultural preservation, inspiring others to explore and appreciate the rich diversity of India’s indigenous communities.

Koro Gochongni crew details:

Direction, Script, Edit, Production – Pranami Koch (Michala Productions)
Cinematography & Colour – Shrutiman Deori
Sound record : Pranami & Shrutiman
Sound Design – Eemon Koch
Music – Rishikesh Thangjam

Also Read: MBoSE HSSLC 2025 | Albert Mate and Idawanplishisha Swer of St. Edmund’s top Arts Stream

Also Watch

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Also, Follow us on-

Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub

Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020

Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub

Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub