2nd North East India Film Festival (NEIFF) 2025: 10 Films in Competition

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10 films in competition at 2nd edition of North East India Film Festival in Manipur.
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The 2nd edition of the North East India Film Festival (NEIFF) is set to take place from February 12 to 16, 2025, across four venues in Imphal and Kakching districts of Manipur. Organized by THOUNA, Manipur, in collaboration with the Film Forum Manipur and the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), the event is sponsored by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).

The festival aims to promote and celebrate North East Indian cinema, providing a platform for regional filmmakers to showcase their work to a wider audience. By highlighting the diverse cultures, languages, and stories from the eight North Eastern states, the festival continues to play a crucial role in strengthening the region’s film industry.

Venues for NEIFF 2025

The screenings for NEIFF 2025 will be held at four different locations across Imphal and Kakching:

  • Tanthapolis Cinema, Lamphel (February 12 – 14)
  • Library and Information Centre (LIC), Kakching (February 15 – 16)
  • Kakching Dramatic Union Auditorium (February 15 – 16)

The inaugural ceremony will take place at the City Convention Centre in Imphal East on February 12, where Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla will officially launch the festival. The event will open with the screening of “Mareibak Ningba Heerachandra”, marking the beginning of a five-day celebration of North East Indian cinema.

10 Films Selected for the Competition Section

The NEIFF organizing committee, chaired by Yengkhom Nilachandra, announced that 10 films have been selected for the competition section. The jury carefully reviewed all nominations before finalizing the list, which includes eight feature films and two non-feature films.

Feature Films in Competition

  1. Amateurs (Assamese)
  2. Baghjan (Assamese Moran)
  3. Laangoi (Manipuri)
  4. Lang-dai Ama (Manipuri)
  5. Oi-tharei (Manipuri)
  6. Sunita (Manipuri)
  7. Oneness (Manipuri)
  8. Una Una (Manipuri)

Non-Feature Films in Competition

  1. Legacy of 4 Generations (Manipuri)
  2. Where is My Home (Assamese)

The inclusion of three Assamese films in the competition highlights the growing prominence of Assamese cinema in regional film festivals.

Non-Competition Screenings at NEIFF 2025

In addition to the competition section, NEIFF 2025 will also feature a non-competition category, showcasing three films on the first day at Tanthapolis Cinema:

  1. Khomlang Laman
  2. Langdai Ama
  3. Taru Tarubi

These films have been selected to highlight the diversity and artistic richness of North East Indian cinema, providing audiences with a deeper understanding of the region’s unique storytelling traditions.

Why NEIFF 2025 Matters for North East Indian Cinema?

The North East India Film Festival (NEIFF) serves as a vital platform for independent filmmakers, regional storytellers, and emerging talents from the eight North Eastern states. By bringing together filmmakers, actors, producers, and film enthusiasts, the festival plays a key role in bridging the gap between mainstream Indian cinema and North East Indian films.

Promoting Regional Storytelling

NEIFF provides a space for authentic storytelling, allowing filmmakers to share their narratives that often remain underrepresented in mainstream Indian cinema. Through feature films, documentaries, and short films, NEIFF helps showcase the cultural, social, and political realities of the North East.

Boosting Regional Film Industries

The festival also serves as a catalyst for the growth of regional film industries, attracting producers and distributors interested in North East Indian films. The exposure gained through NEIFF can help local filmmakers secure funding and wider distribution opportunities.

Encouraging Tourism and Cultural Exchange

With its focus on regional cinema, NEIFF also attracts visitors from across India and beyond. The festival helps boost tourism in Manipur, encouraging cultural exchanges between artists, critics, and audiences from different backgrounds.

Impact of NEIFF 2025 on Assamese and Manipuri Cinema

The strong presence of Assamese and Manipuri films at NEIFF 2025 underscores the cinematic evolution taking place in these states.

  • Assamese Cinema: With three Assamese films in competition, the festival highlights the growing recognition of Assamese storytelling. Films like “Baghjan” (Assamese Moran) and “Amateurs” explore diverse themes, reflecting the state’s socio-political and cultural landscape.
  • Manipuri Cinema: Dominating the selection with six feature films and one non-feature film, Manipuri cinema continues to thrive. The inclusion of films like “Sunita”, “Oneness”, and “Oi-tharei” showcases the strength of Manipur’s film industry, known for its powerful narratives and artistic expressions.

NEIFF 2025 as a Landmark Event

The 2nd North East India Film Festival (NEIFF) 2025 promises to be a landmark event for regional cinema, celebrating the unique and diverse storytelling traditions of the North East. With 10 films in competition, additional non-competition screenings, and a strong focus on Assamese and Manipuri cinema, the festival is set to leave a lasting impact on regional filmmakers, audiences, and the broader Indian film industry.

As the festival continues to grow, it will play an even more major role in shaping the future of North East Indian cinema, providing a platform for filmmakers to tell their stories while ensuring their voices reach a wider audience.

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