TRIBAL FRAMES MANIPUR 2026–2nd National Tribal Film Festival–12–15 November 2026
The Film Festival being held in Imphal, is a top-tier national film festival aiming to showcase the diversity of stories, cultures and talents of the tribal communities in Manipur. The 2026 festival will showcase various films across 4 days with cultural events, masterclasses and interactive sessions.
By Jianreiliu Gonmei
Imphal, 12th November 2026: The 2nd edition of the National Film Festival “Tribal Frames Manipur 2026” was inaugurated on Thursday at the Palace Auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Imphal. The 4-day festival that focuses on showcasing the rich cinematic and cultural heritage of the tribal communities of the state will be held from 12th to 15th November, 2026. Tribal Frames Manipur 2026 seeks to provide a national platform to showcase the stories, languages, and realities of the tribes through films.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Shri Rajeev Singh Thakur, IAS (Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur) as Chief Guest, Shri Hungyo Worshang, IAS (Secretary, PHED, Government of Manipur) as Guest of Honour, Shri Sunzu Bachaspatimayum (Secretary, MSFDS) as Functional President, and Shri S. Mangoljao Singh (Chairman, Film Forum Manipur) and Shri Assurance Raikhan (President, All Tribal Film Organisation Manipur) as Special Guests.
The sacred fire was ignited by the elders of Rongmei/Kabui, Pongringjang United Organisation, Imphal West and the inaugural lamp of tribal Frames of Manipur was lit. A divine invocation to the Almighty was led by Shri Ch. Lamtachao Tarao. The Chief Guest then officially inaugurated Tribal Frames Manipur 2026, followed by a souvenir launch.
The Chief Guest was felicitated with a traditional trumpet welcome followed by him visiting the Tribal Lens Photography Exhibition. Shri Rangnamei Rang Peter, IAS (Director, TA & Hills/TRI), gave a warm welcome and a keynote address. He said, “Let us tell our story with pride, preserve our tradition, dignity, and embrace morality without losing our identity. I’m confident that tribal Frames Manipur 2026 will inspire our young generation of tribal filmmakers and contribute meaningfully towards preserving and promoting indigenous heritage”
Following this, speeches were made by the Guest of Honour, Shri Hungyo Worshang, where he mentioned, “ Let this be a platform where the tribal people can learn and understand not only the art of filmmaking, but also let the people from the rest of the country also know about the journey of life that tribal people go through and the burden we carry.”
Functional President Shri Sunzu Bachaspatimayum said, “Films and stories are much more than artistic expression. They are powerful instruments through which communities preserve their history, celebrate their culture and identity, articulate their struggles and hardships, and express aspirations for the future. Tribal Frames Manipur gives these voices the space, visibility, and recognition they truly deserve”
On the occasion, the Chief Guest Shri Rajeev Singh Thakur said, “Let this festival be a catalyst for more happiness, bringing the communities together and also highlighting the traditions and cultures. He highlighted how important it is to provide a platform for tribal films.
A special speech was made by Smt. Nemcha Kipgen (Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister (Tribal Affairs & Hills), Manipur. She wished that this festival would become a platform for celebrating culture, diversity, promoting understanding, and bringing indigenous voices to the forefront of Indian Cinema. The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Dr. Ksh. Imokanta Singh, MFS (Chief Finance Officer, TA & Hills).
National Platform for Indigenous Stories
Tribal Frames Manipur 2026 organised by the Department of Tribal Affairs and Hills, Manipur, through the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) in partnership with Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) and supported by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, provides a platform to showcase hand-picked features, documentaries and short films from Northeast India, Ladakh, Jharkhand and other tribal states in the country. There are various filmmaker sessions, masterclasses and panel discussions to help support capacity building and upgrading skills for young and upcoming filmmakers.
Key Highlights
This year’s festival shines a light on the TFM 20 Emerging Voices project. This is a 3-day filmmaking workshop that took place from 10th to 12th November for 20 young filmmakers from Manipur’s 6 hill districts. The aim of this was to support our young storytellers to document stories from within their community. There is also a special focus on Mizoram cinema, in partnership with Green Hub. There will be awards presented to recognise exemplary work in the tribal film industry.
Tribal Lens 2026 is running parallel to Tribal Frames Manipur 2026. From 12th to 18th November, there will be a photography exhibition to highlight the cultures, lifestyles, livelihoods, landscapes and everyday lives of the tribes. This will encourage photography of tribal communities.
Cultural Events
Tribal Frames Manipur is part of a series of events taking place across the state. Once Tribal Frames Manipur has finished, the Department of Tribal Affairs and Hills will host the State Level Tribal Cultural Festival 2026 from 15th to 18th November at the City Convention Centre in Imphal. There will be dance, music, local cuisine and tribal handlooms, handicrafts and games exhibitions/sales. This will provide a platform for artists and cultural groups across the state to showcase their talent. The celebrations will begin on 15th November with Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, concluding Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada and celebrating the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
(Jianreiliu Gonmei is Assistant Media Coordinator, Tribal Frame Manipur 2026)