IMPHAL, Nov 12: A four-day National Tribal Film Festival and Carnival celebrating the richness of India’s indigenous cinema and culture commenced on Wednesday at the City Convention Centre in Imphal. The event, organised as part of the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh celebrations, aims to highlight the creative expressions, traditions, and stories of the country’s diverse tribal communities.
The festival was inaugurated by Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, Chief Secretary of Manipur, in the presence of Anurag Bajpai, Additional Chief Secretary; T. Pamei, Commissioner of Horticulture and Soil Conservation; Hungyo Warshung, Secretary of Tourism and IPR; Guru Rewben Mashangva Gangmei, folk musician and Padma Shri awardee; Aluna Kabuini Kabui, folk artist; and Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, Secretary, Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS).
In his keynote address, Chief Secretary Goel described the festival as a “historic occasion for Manipur,” emphasizing that it provides a vibrant platform to celebrate the country’s rich tribal heritage through the medium of cinema. He added that initiatives like this contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat 2047, fostering inclusivity and cultural pride.
The festival will screen 23 tribal films from nine states, including six feature films, two documentaries, 14 short films, and one animation film. The Mizo film Mi Bo was selected as the opening film, scheduled for screening at the MSFDS complex.
More than 16 national guests, 27 state delegates, and representatives from five tribal film forums and associations are participating in the event. The festival also features masterclasses, panel discussions, and In-Conversation sessions with filmmakers, cultural experts, and industry professionals.
