Assam-born filmmaker, writer and actor Rajdeep Choudhury’s film A Teacher’s Gift has been selected for the 41st Guadalajara International Film Festival in Mexico and will be screened on April 24 as part of the festival’s Premio Maguey competition. The selection places the film on one of Latin America’s most visible stages for international and independent cinema.
The Guadalajara International Film Festival is widely regarded as a leading showcase for global cinema, drawing a large international audience and programming a mix of competitive and non-competitive sections that highlight emerging voices and diverse storytelling.
A Teacher’s Gift is directed by Artur Ribeiro of Portugal and produced by Eric Ollerenshaw of the UK. The ensemble cast includes Anjali Patil, Dhruv Sehgal and Varun Buddhadev, with Choudhury himself credited as the film’s writer and lead actor.
The film centres on relationships, identity and emotional connection through a character-driven narrative rooted in everyday life. Its storytelling emphasises subtlety and lived experience rather than overt plot mechanics, aiming for quiet emotional resonance.
Originally from Silchar in Assam, Choudhury has previously appeared in Hindi films such as Jack & Dil and Mister Mummy. His personal journey from Northeast India to the UK and now onto international festival screens adds a distinct layer to the film’s perspective and reflects the growing presence of regional voices in contemporary cinema.
Before Guadalajara, A Teacher’s Gift had a steady festival run with official selections at the Tribeca Film Festival, the Lisboa International Film Festival, the International Film Festival of India and the IRIS Prize Film Festival, where it screened in competition. The film also won Best British Asian Feature Film — Bridging Cultures at the UK Asian Film Festival in 2025.
Commenting on the Guadalajara selection, Choudhury said: “Bringing A Teacher’s Gift to an international audience at Guadalajara is a deeply meaningful moment for me. The story is rooted in personal experiences, and to see it travel across cultures and connect with diverse audiences is both humbling and encouraging.” The screening reinforces the increasing international recognition of talent from Northeast India.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/04/23/movie-featuring-assam-actor-writer-selected-for-guadalajara-international-film-fest-2/
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Publish Date: 2026-04-23 04:44:00
