Guwahati, March 21, 2026: The third North East India Film Festival (NEIFF) 2026 began at Tanthapolis Cinema in Lamphel, Imphal in Manipur bringing together films from across the Northeast region.
The two-day festival features nine films from three states: Assam, Manipur, and Meghalaya. Four films are from Assam, four from Manipur, and one from Meghalaya. The festival will conclude on Sunday.
Vice Chancellor of Manipur University of Culture, Paonam Gunindro, inaugurated the festival. It is jointly organised by THOUNA, the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Manipur, and the All Manipur Film Producers Association, with support from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
On the opening day, films screened included The Check Post directed by Mahesh Konsam (Manipur), Ha Lyngkha Bnengdirected by Pradip Kurbah (Meghalaya), Romantic Affairs directed by Monjul Baruah (Assam), and Laininghan Naoria Phullo directed by Rakesh Moirangthem (Manipur).
The festival includes both feature and non-feature films. The lineup features Collage, Kangbo Aloti, Ha Lyngkha Bneng, Noi Kotha, Romantic Affairs, Toy Gun, The Check Post, Phouoibee, and Laininghan Naoria Phullo.
Eight awards will be presented, each carrying a citation, a statuette, and a cash prize. Categories include Best Feature Film, Best Non-Feature Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Screenplay, and the Jury Award. A Special Mention may also be given.
The festival provides a platform for filmmakers from the Northeast to present their work and engage with audiences, highlighting regional stories, cultures, and creative expression.
The North East India Film Festival first edition was held in Imphal from March 3 to 7, 2024, as a competitive platform for films from the eight Northeastern states.
The inaugural edition recognised films and artists from the region, including Rimdogittanga (Rapture) directed by Dominic Sangma as Best Film, which later won the national film award last year and Joseph’s Son directed by Haobam Paban Kumar for Best Direction.