The third edition of the North East India Film Festival (NEIFF) will take place in Manipur later this month, bringing together filmmakers, cinema enthusiasts and cultural practitioners from across the region.
The festival is scheduled to be held on March 21 and 22, 2026 at Tanthapolis Cinema. The two-day event will showcase films from the northeastern states and provide a platform for regional storytellers to present their work to a wider audience.
The festival is being organised by THOUNA in association with the Department of Information and Public Relations Manipur and the All Manipur Film Producers Association.
Support for the event is being provided by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation.
Promoting Northeast Cinema
The North East India Film Festival aims to highlight the diversity of storytelling emerging from the northeastern region of India. Independent filmmakers from the region often work with limited resources but bring unique cultural perspectives, languages and narratives to the screen.
Film festivals such as NEIFF play an important role in helping these works reach audiences beyond their local communities. They also create opportunities for networking, collaboration and dialogue among filmmakers, producers and cultural organisations.
A Platform for Regional Voices
Over the years, regional cinema from Northeast India has gradually gained recognition at national and international film festivals. Events like NEIFF help nurture this momentum by creating spaces where emerging filmmakers can showcase their work and engage with audiences directly.
Apart from screenings, film festivals typically include discussions, interactions with filmmakers and informal exchanges among participants. Such events help strengthen the regional film ecosystem and encourage new talent to enter the field.
Growing Cultural Significance
Manipur has long been known for its strong film culture. The state has produced a number of influential filmmakers and actors, and its local cinema continues to reflect the social realities and cultural heritage of the region.
By hosting the third edition of the North East India Film Festival, organisers aim to celebrate this creative tradition while also connecting filmmakers from different northeastern states.
With screenings scheduled across two days at Tanthapolis Cinema in Lamphel, the festival is expected to draw film enthusiasts, students, and cultural observers interested in the evolving landscape of Northeast Indian cinema.
