The National Tribal Film Festival kicked off on Wednesday in Imphal, drawing 23 films that showcase the rich heritage of India’s tribal communities. Over four days – from November 12 to 15 – the City Convention Centre and the Manipur State Film Development Society complex will host screenings, workshops, and cultural events that celebrate tribal cinema and arts.
Festival highlights
- Film lineup – Six feature films, two documentaries, fourteen short films, and an animated short about famous tribal freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu, produced by the National Film Development Corporation.
- Guest speakers – Sixteen national guests, 27 state delegates and representatives from five tribal film forums will join for panels and master‑classes.
- Events – In‑conversation sessions with filmmakers, panel discussions on tribal storytelling, and two master‑class workshops.
- Closing ceremony – Planned for November 15, the day that also marks the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, it will feature floral tributes, cultural performances, and a special film screening.
Why the festival matters
Manipur’s Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai said the event, organized as part of the 150‑year‑old Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh (Tribal Pride Year), “promotes and celebrates tribal cinema, culture, and creative expression from across the country’s tribal communities.”
The festival brings together films from nine states – Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and of course Manipur – a first-time gathering of this scale in the northeastern state.
Cultural context
Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, which started on November 15, 2024, commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. It runs through to November 15, 2025, celebrating tribal people’s heritage, history and contributions to India’s social fabric.
The festival combines the National Tribal Film Festival with a State‑Level Tribal Carnival in Manipur, delivering a platform for creators to share stories that foster empathy, respect and harmony among communities.
Official perspective
Director of Tribal Affairs & Hills L.N. Kashung said, “Twenty‑three tribal‑themed films will play at the festival. The goal is to promote cinema, preserve culture through film, and bring cultural education that encourages respect and unity.”
With its mix of film, discussion, and cultural performances, the National Tribal Film Festival in Imphal promises to spotlight India’s diverse tribal voices while building connections between filmmakers, audiences, and the wider public.
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