Guwahati: The National Tribal Film and Literature Festival 2025 continued its vibrant celebration of Indigenous storytelling on its second day at the NEDFi Convention Centre in Guwahati.
Featuring powerful films, insightful discussions, and poetry readings, the event highlighted the role of storytelling as a means of cultural preservation.
Under the theme “Framing the Unwritten – Storytelling as Cultural Documentation,” Day 2 showcased a compelling lineup of short films, including Papaya, Fire on Edge, Angen (Invisible), The Flow of Resilience (Boi Thaka), and Birubala – The Fearless Crusader. Each film shed light on the diverse experiences and struggles of tribal communities.
A thought-provoking panel discussion on the festival’s theme featured Prof. Simon John, filmmaker Moji Riba, and author Rashmi Narzary, moderated by Dr. Kaling Dabi. The discussion explored the significance of oral traditions and Indigenous narratives in documenting histories often overlooked in mainstream discourse.
The afternoon resonated with poetry, with two captivating reading sessions. “Colour of Harmony” featured Prof. Streamlet Dkhar, Dr. Theyiesinuo Keditsu, and Dr. Maitrayee Patar, while “The Ebb and Flow of Verse” showcased Kamal Kumar Tanty, Jaan Kemprai, and Gunjal Ikir Munda. Adding to the cultural experience, musician Gwmwthao Basumatary enthralled audiences with a mesmerizing Serja performance.
With its commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, the festival continues to celebrate tribal artistic brilliance. The three-day event, organized by the Assam Institute of Research for Tribals and Scheduled Castes and sponsored by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, concludes on March 29.
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