Films from the Northeast are set to feature prominently at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), scheduled to take place in Goa from 20 to 28 November 2025. This year’s edition will showcase regional stories from Assam and Sikkim alongside a tribute marking the birth centenary of Bhupen Hazarika.
Among the films selected is “Bhaimon Da“ directed by Sasanka Samir, which will be screened as part of the Indian Panorama section. The Assamese-language feature, inspired by local culture and storytelling, is among 25 films chosen for the segment. Speaking about the selection, Samir said IFFI offers a platform to take stories from Assam to a wider audience and described the moment as “a proud milestone for Assamese cinema.”
Another film from the region “Shape of Momo”, a Nepali-language title from Sikkim directed by Tribeny Rai, has been included under the Best Debut Feature Film of a Director category. The film explores themes of memory and belonging in a Himalayan setting.
Sikkim also makes its mark this year with Samten Bhutia’s “Shangrila”, produced by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC). The Sikkimese-language documentary broadens the cinematic landscape of the Northeast, offering a rare glimpse into the state’s growing creative and cultural scene.
Assamese cinema will also be represented in the Mainstream Cinema section through “Sikaar”, starring the late Zubeen Garg. The film, which has seen strong audience turnout in theatres, is being viewed by many as Garg’s final contribution to cinema.
Manipur, known for its deeply personal and socially aware cinema, makes a strong presence with Naorem Dinesh Singh’s “Oitharei” — a Manipuri feature that continues the state’s legacy of powerful storytelling. Produced under Oitharei, the film highlights the rich cultural depth and emotional sensitivity that have long defined Manipuri cinema since the time of Aribam Syam Sharma.
In the Non-Feature Film category, the Northeast continues to shine with Namrata Datta’s “Patralekha” from Assam and Borun Thokchom’s “Battlefield” from Manipur. Patralekha beautifully explores themes of identity and communication through a poetic Assamese perspective, while Battlefield presents a powerful look into Manipur’s complex realities, captured with Thokchom’s trademark documentary style.
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IFFI 2025 will also include a tribute to Bhupen Hazarika, whose 100th birth anniversary is being observed this year. The Government of India has announced a commemorative coin and postal stamp in his honour, with additional programming expected at the festival.
Organised by the National Film Development Corporation in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Government of Goa, the festival will feature more than 200 films from over 80 countries. The Indian Panorama section, one of the festival’s main attractions, will highlight the linguistic and cultural diversity of Indian cinema, including films from the Northeast.
The recognition of Bhaimon Da and Shape of Momo comes at a time when films from Assam and the broader region are gaining visibility across India and abroad, reflecting a growing interest in regional stories told with authenticity.
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