Assam-born actor and screenwriter Rajdeep Choudhury’s film showcased at the Guadalajara International Film Festival in Mexico

 In a heartwarming news, Rajdeep Choudhury, a filmmaker, writer, and actor hailing from Assam, has achieved recognition with his film ‘A Teacher’s Gift’, which has been selected for the 41st Guadalajara International Film Festival in Mexico. The film, a British South Asian production supported by India’s National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), was showcased on April 24 as part of the prestigious Premio Maguey section, which is a notable competitive category within the festival. Recognised as one of the premier film festivals in Latin America, the Guadalajara International Film Festival has, throughout the years, presented a wide array of global cinema and emerging talents, establishing itself as a vital platform for international filmmakers. Each year, the festival attracts a diverse audience from around the world and features films in various competitive and non-competitive categories.

            Directed by Artur Ribeiro from Portugal and produced by Eric Ollerenshaw from the United Kingdom, the film ‘A Teacher’s Gift’ is co-written by Rajdeep Choudhury, who also stars in the lead role. The film boasts an ensemble cast that includes Anjali Patil, Dhruv Sehgal, and Varun Buddhadev. Rajdeep Choudhury’s dual role as both writer and lead actor underscores his significant involvement in the project. Choudhury, hailing from Silchar in Assam, has made his mark in Hindi cinema with notable performances in films like ‘Jack & Dil’, where he shared the screen with Amit Sadh, Arbaaz Khan, and Sonal Chauhan. He also appeared in ‘Mister Mummy’, alongside Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh, and took part in the international project ‘Kashmir Princess’, directed by Wai Keung Lau.

            His journey from Northeast India to the UK and now to an international stage adds a personal touch to the film ‘A Teacher's Gift’. This reflects the rising visibility of regional voices in contemporary cinema.Prior to its selection in Guadalajara, 'A Teacher's Gift' had established a significant presence on the international festival circuit, receiving official selections at prestigious events such as the Tribeca Film Festival Lisboa, the International Film Festival of India, and the IRIS Prize Film Festival, where it was featured in competition. Additionally, it garnered the award for Best British Asian Feature Film at the Bridging Cultures segment of the UK Asian Film Festival in London in 2025.

            After its presentation at the IRIS Prize Film Festival, Jacquie Lawrence, a former content executive at Channel 4 and a producer, remarked, “This film offers a beautifully atmospheric narrative that is both essential and relevant to the South Asian diaspora.”

         Moreover, the film has been chosen for the Unrestricted View Film Festival, which is recognized as a BIFA-qualifying festival, thereby rendering it eligible for consideration at the British Independent Film Awards in 2026. Additionally, the film was featured in the WAVES Bazaar film market, thereby facilitating connections with industry professionals and broadening its outreach within global networks.

            ‘A Teacher’s Gift’ chronicles the experiences of Rohan, an aspiring Hindi language educator who grapples with the complexities of cultural expectations and his own aspirations. The narrative unfolds across the contrasting landscapes of London and India, delving into Rohan’s relationship with an erudite Englishman. This connection, anchored in a mutual appreciation for literature and cricket, transcends the limitations imposed by age, cultural differences, and societal norms. Ultimately, the story embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery and reconciliation.

       Reflecting on the selection, Rajdeep Choudhury expressed, “Presenting ‘A Teacher’s Gift’ to an international audience in Guadalajara is profoundly significant for me. This narrative is deeply intertwined with my personal journey, and witnessing it resonate across cultures and engage with a variety of audiences is both a humbling and uplifting experience.”

            The selection of the film contributes to the increasing visibility of voices from Northeast India within global cinema platforms, signifying yet another instance of international acknowledgment for the talent emerging from this region.

***