Cannes 2025: Urmimala Boruah and Snigdha Boruah—a mother-daughter duo on the global stage

Urmimala Boruah and Snigdha Boruah at Cannes 2025

In a world where aspirations often clash with the constraints of circumstance, the remarkable journey of Urmimala Boruah and her daughter Snigdha Boruah rises as a beacon of perseverance, passion, and the enduring strength of rural India. Hailing from a quaint village in Assam, this inspiring mother-daughter duo has captivated the global imagination by representing India at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival—an achievement that resonates far beyond their home state.

As the curtains rose on the festival, all eyes turned to India’s vibrant cultural showcase, with Assam taking centre stage. Among the attendees, Urmimala—a contemplative and passionate filmmaker—and Snigdha—a spirited young actress—stood hand in hand, eyes gleaming with equal parts awe and disbelief. “It’s unbelievable that we started so small and now we are here at Cannes,” Urmimala said, her voice choked with emotion.

Their attire too spoke volumes. Urmimala’s gown, inspired by the ancient banyan tree, was a deeply symbolic creation. Beyond its visual splendour, the design paid tribute to the tree’s symbolic roots—strength, wisdom, and the ecosystem of life it supports. “The banyan...symbolises our roots and the fundamental qualities of a human,” she reflected. In harmony with her mother, Snigdha wore a gown adorned with motifs of the Asian hand fan—an ode to Asia’s kaleidoscopic cultural identity. Her dress stood as a tribute to the continent’s artistry and interconnected heritage. Together, they wore their culture with pride, transforming fashion into a powerful medium of storytelling.

The path to Cannes was not paved with ease. Urmimala overcame numerous societal and industry barriers in her pursuit of storytelling. “One should always run after one's dreams,” she often asserts—a belief that fuelled her creative voice and guided Snigdha’s early steps into acting, beginning in their very own village under her mother’s nurturing eye.

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Their film Dibrugarh: A Cultural Journey—a yet-to-be-released regional gem—blends Assamese folklore with present-day realities. It offers audiences an evocative bridge between tradition and contemporary discourse, presenting Assam’s heritage with authenticity and urgency.

Their appearance at Cannes is more than a personal triumph; it’s a milestone for rural India and a celebration of cultural integrity. With support from the Assam government, their story is poised to inspire countless others to chase their dreams while staying rooted in identity.