GUWAHATI, Nov 29: The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) concluded in Panaji, Goa, on November 28 with a spectacular closing ceremony that placed the Northeast at the centre of one of the festival’s most elaborate cultural presentations. The event celebrated India’s folk traditions, classical arts and contemporary performances, embodying the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
This year’s programme featured a sweeping national cultural showcase spanning Rajasthan’s desert heritage, Karnataka’s coastal art forms, and devotional traditions from across the country. However, the standout highlight was the Northeast Cultural Showcase, curated by celebrated artist Ranjit Gogoi, marking one of the most extensive representations of the region ever staged at IFFI.
The Northeast presentation unfolded in two major segments. The first paid a powerful musical tribute to legendary artists whose works have shaped Indian cinema Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, S.D. Burman, R.D. Burman, Zubeen Garg, and Papon underscoring the region’s deep-rooted influence on the country’s film music legacy.
The second segment offered a vivid cultural panorama from all eight Northeastern states, featuring:
- Nyapa Cham and Zya Cham (Arunachal Pradesh)
- Bihu (Assam)
- Cheraw/Bamboo Dance (Mizoram)
- Wangala (Meghalaya)
- Pung Cholom (Manipur)
- Sangrain (Tripura)
- Warrior Dance (Nagaland)
- Singhi Chaam (Sikkim)
With its rhythmic energy, diversity of traditions and vibrant visual elements, the Northeast showcase emerged as one of the most captivating moments of the gala evening.
