Government Schemes Nurture Northeast India’s Cinematic Talent
ART & CULTURE
Busan: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India, is actively promoting a vibrant film culture in Northeast India through various initiatives, resulting in the region’s increasing visibility on the global film stage. From offering exposure to A-grade film festivals, funding film production, and organising skill development programs, filmmakers from the Northeast are beginning to reap the rewards of these targeted interventions.
Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, Secretary of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS)
“The Ministry’s initiative to nurture a vibrant film culture in the northeast region is an excellent opportunity for exposure and networking especially for me as MSFDS is organising the second edition of the Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival in from 6-9 Feb 2025 in Manipur,” says MSFDS secretary.
Ahum Chahong Rinshing (28), the young Tangkhul filmmaker who bagged the best Director award at the Tangkhul Naga Film Awards 2024, organised by the Tangkhul Naga Film Association while appreciating the government of Manipur for recommending him as one of the representative for State stated that his Busan participation has enriched his concept of cinema as the medium for the expression of his worldview of life.
Biplab Goswami expressed his appreciation for MIB’s focus on developing Northeast cinema, noting that despite the challenges, the region’s filmmakers have much to contribute to Indian cinema.
“This exposure to good cinema especially for the northeast is a noble initiative of the Ministry that will definitely go a long way in nurturing cinema practice in the region.”
The future of Northeast cinema is promising, with talents emerging across various competitions. For instance, in a recent scriptwriting competition, three out of the five top scripts, including “Lapata Ladies” were from the Northeast,” Goswami shared.
“Most of the time northeast cinema is overlooked in the context of Indian Cinema but northeast has a lot to offer to Indian Cinema cinematically. Despite challenges filmmakers from the region is making a mark in a subtle way. To cite an example, in the Cinestan Scriptwriting Contest 2023, of the top five projects, three were from northeast,” revealed Goswami whose “Lapata Ladies” was one of the project winner.
With these encouraging developments, the cinematic voices of Northeast India are poised to gain greater recognition both nationally and internationally, contributing to the country’s diverse cultural landscape.
