Arunachal filmmaker's Mithun documentary screened at National Tribal Film Festival
The 40-minute film titled The Way of the Mithun explores the cultural significance of the animal among Northeast Indian indigenous communities.
A documentary titled The Way of the Mithun was screened at the National Tribal Film Festival in Imphal, Manipur, on November 13, according to NENow.
The film was shown at The Palace Auditorium of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) during the Tribal Frames Manipur 2026 event.
Directed by Joram Jonah, an independent filmmaker from the Nyishi community of Arunachal Pradesh, the documentary examines the role of the Mithun, scientifically known as Bos frontalis, in regional traditions.
The film highlights how the animal is linked to social status, wealth, and cultural identity, particularly regarding marriage customs and ceremonial practices among the Nyishi and other communities.
Jonah's work also focuses on the Nyishi language and indigenous storytelling to show how traditional knowledge shapes the way of life for these communities.
The filmmaker was previously selected by the Arunachal Pradesh Department of Information and Public Relations to represent the state at the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival in June 2024.