Indian filmmaker Bhargav Saikia’s much-anticipated debut feature film, Bokshi, will have its world premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) 2025. IFFR runs from 30 January to 9 February and is celebrated as a platform for groundbreaking global cinema.
The movie has been selected for the Harbour section of the festival, which highlights contemporary films from across the world. Named after Rotterdam’s iconic port city identity, this section is a fitting home for Bokshi, a unique cinematic venture deeply rooted in the folk horror and fantasy genres.
Shot in the lush forests of Sikkim, Bokshi stars Mansi Multani and Prasanna Bisht. The film features dialogues in Hindi, English, Nepali, and an invented language, Boksirit, developed by Dutch linguist Jan van Steenbergen.
Saikia described Boksirit as “the progenitor of all modern languages,” adding a layer of depth and intrigue to the narrative. Written by debutant screenwriter Harsh Vaibhav, Bokshi delves into the life of a troubled teenager, Anahita, as she embarks on a school expedition to an obscure prehistoric site. Guided by her enigmatic history teacher, Shalini, the journey takes her to The Navel, a mystical place where ancient myths come alive.
Watch the trailer here:
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Saikia said, “IFFR, which is renowned as a discovery festival and for their edgy programming, is just the ideal place to launch my debut feature Bokshi.” He further described the film as “an ambitious independent production and an adventurous genre film that took nearly five years to complete.”
Saikia, who previously adapted Ruskin Bond’s The Black Cat into a short film, revealed his inspiration for the project. Hailing from Northeast India, he wanted to craft a cautionary tale blending witchcraft, shamanism, and eco-horror.
“I am drawn to stories that explore life and the human condition through fantastical and macabre lenses,” Saikia shared. With its unique mix of folk horror and fantasy, Bokshi promises to be an evocative cinematic experience.
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