Arunachal filmmaker's Mithun documentary screened at Manipur film festival
The 40-minute film explores the cultural importance of the Mithun among indigenous communities in Northeast India.
A 40-minute documentary titled The Way of the Mithun was screened at the National Tribal Film Festival in Imphal on November 13, according to NENow. The film, directed by Joram Jonah, an independent filmmaker from the Nyishi community of Arunachal Pradesh, looks at how the Mithun animal influences the traditions and social identity of indigenous groups in the region.
The documentary focuses on the relationship between livestock, the natural environment, and the way of life of these communities. It specifically highlights the Nyishi language and storytelling to show how the animal is tied to marriage customs, community gatherings, and ceremonial practices. Jonah previously represented Arunachal Pradesh at the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival in June 2024.
The festival, titled Tribal Frames Manipur, is being held from November 12 to 15 at the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) Palace Auditorium. It is organised by the Tribal Research Institute, Department of Tribal Affairs and Hills, Government of Manipur, in collaboration with the MSFDS.
The event is part of the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Pakhwada and aims to provide a platform for tribal filmmakers to share indigenous stories and cultural identities with a wider audience. Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur attended the inauguration, stating that such initiatives are necessary to showcase the state's diverse music, dance, and culture.