Indian filmmaker Bhargav Saikia’s debut feature, Bokshi, a folk horror fantasy set in the forests of Sikkim, will have its world premiere at the prestigious International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) 2025. The film has been selected for the Harbour section, which focuses on contemporary cinema from around the world. The festival will take place from January 30 to February 9, 2025.
Bokshi, starring Mansi Multani (known for Pari) and Prasanna Bisht (Farrey), is a multi-language film featuring Hindi, English, Nepali, and a fictional language, Boksirit, created exclusively for the film by renowned linguist Jan van Steenbergen. The story follows Anahita, a troubled teen who embarks on a high school expedition to a prehistoric site, only to face eerie challenges linked to a long-forgotten myth.
Written by debutant screenwriter Harsh Vaibhav, the film explores themes of feminine rebellion, witchcraft, and eco-horror, blending folklore with fantasy. Bhargav Saikia, who was born and raised in Northeast India, said the film draws from local traditions and the supernatural, incorporating elements of shamanism and witchcraft to create a cautionary tale.
Bhargav, known for adapting Ruskin Bond’s The Black Cat into an award-winning short, expressed excitement over the opportunity to premiere Bokshi at IFFR, calling it an ideal platform for the ambitious independent production. “IFFR is renowned for its edgy programming and discovery of new voices,” he said. The film took nearly five years to complete and reflects Saikia’s vision of blending the fantastical with the macabre.
The IFFR premiere marks a significant milestone in Saikia’s career, showcasing his unique style and vision in the genres of folk horror and fantasy.
