Manipur to host National Tribal Film Festival from November 12
The four-day event in Imphal will showcase over 28 films representing various tribal regions including Ladakh and Jharkhand.
Manipur will host the second edition of the National Tribal Film Festival, Tribal Frames Manipur 2026, from November 12 to 15, according to reports from The Sentinel and NENow. The festival will take place at the Palace Auditorium of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) in Imphal.
The Department of Tribal Affairs and Hills is organising the event through the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) in partnership with the MSFDS and with support from the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The programme will feature more than 28 feature films, documentaries, and short films from regions such as Northeast India, Ladakh, and Jharkhand.
R Rang Peter, Director of the Department of Tribal Affairs and Hills, stated during a media briefing on Monday that the festival would be held at the MSFDS auditorium. He noted that the government is committed to inclusive participation. The festival includes a focus on Mizoram cinema and a partnership with Green Hub to highlight environmental and conservation stories.
The event will include masterclasses, filmmaker interactions, and the Tribal Lens 2026 photography exhibition, which runs from November 12 to 18. A filmmaking workshop for 20 young participants from six hill districts was also scheduled from November 10 to 12.
Following the film festival, the State-Level Tribal Cultural Festival will run from November 15 to 18 at the City Convention Centre in Imphal. This begins on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas to commemorate the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
The cultural festival will feature traditional dances, music, indigenous cuisines, and handicraft exhibitions. Director Peter said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the celebrations via video conference.