Guwahati’s Chinmoy Swargiary Wins Assam Tourism Award for Wildlife Documentary “Wild Realms”

Guwahati: Chinmoy Swargiary, a talented 29-year-old wildlife cinematographer from Guwahati, Assam, has been honored with the prestigious Assam Tourism Award for his captivating short film Wild Realms: A Glimpse into Nature’s Soul. The documentary, which highlights the incredible flora and fauna of Assam, impressed judges with its unique cinematic techniques and powerful storytelling.The film, which captures the natural beauty of Assam’s wilderness, combines macro photography and slow-motion sequences to showcase the intricate details of the region’s wildlife. Swargiary’s work goes beyond just capturing stunning visuals; it emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and aims to inspire greater appreciation and conservation of nature.In a recent conversation with IndiaTodayNE, Swargiary shared the inspiration behind his filmmaking journey and his deep connection to the natural world. His passion for wildlife filmmaking was sparked by childhood experiences with his father, watching films like Born Free, which profoundly shaped his view of animals and nature. Over time, this interest evolved into a career, with wildlife legends such as David Attenborough and Steve Irwin influencing his storytelling approach.For Swargiary, wildlife filmmaking is not just about creating beautiful images; it’s about fostering respect for nature. “My goal is to help people understand the vital role every species plays in the ecosystem and inspire them to protect our planet’s fragile environments,” he said.In Wild Realms, Swargiary takes viewers on a visual journey through Northeast India’s diverse ecosystems. The film provides an intimate look at the behavior of animals in their natural habitats, capturing their subtle interactions and delicate movements. Swargiary employed innovative techniques like macro photography to focus on the often-overlooked details of tiny creatures, paired with slow-motion and immersive soundscapes to convey the emotional essence of the wildlife.Despite the technical challenges of capturing such minute details, Swargiary found the experience deeply rewarding. “Filming such small creatures required patience and precision. The unpredictability of wildlife made it a challenging endeavor, but it was also incredibly educational,” he explained.For Swargiary, wildlife filmmaking is about more than just technical expertise; it’s about developing a deep connection with the environment. “Every day in the field brings new challenges, whether it’s tracking animals in tough terrain, dealing with changing weather, or waiting hours for the perfect shot. But it’s this connection with the wilderness that fuels my passion for conservation,” he shared.His work emphasizes the importance of being respectful stewards of nature, reminding his audience that every creature, no matter how small, plays an essential role in maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem.Swargiary’s future projects aim to highlight the intersection between people and wildlife in Northeast India. His next documentary will explore how local communities coexist with the region’s rich biodiversity, focusing on themes of resilience, harmony, and sustainable living.”I’m excited to dive deeper into the stories of communities that live in close proximity to wildlife. These narratives can offer valuable lessons on how we can coexist with nature in a way that benefits both humans and wildlife,” Swargiary said.wargiary’s work is not only a tribute to the wilderness of Northeast India but also a call to action for conservation. Through his documentaries, he hopes to inspire both locals and global audiences to appreciate and protect the unique biodiversity of the region.Chinmoy’s advice to budding filmmakers and wildlife enthusiasts is simple yet profound: “Pick up a camera. Shoot something. It doesn’t matter how small or simple it seems. The most important thing is to start, and let your curiosity and passion for nature drive your creativity.”He also stresses the importance of being respectful towards the environment: “Nature reveals its beauty in its own time, and when it does, the reward is magical. Always prioritize the well-being of the species and habitats you’re capturing through your lens.”In closing, Swargiary expressed his gratitude to his team, including Mrityunjoy Konwar, Partha Partim Das, and Ivy Farheen Hussain, for their contribution to Wild Realms, as well as to Anurag Saikia, Gaurav Misra, and Subhayan Biswas for their support throughout the project.Through his award-winning work, Chinmoy Swargiary continues to be a voice for the wild, showcasing the wonders of Northeast India’s ecosystems and emphasizing the urgent need for their protection.