MIFF 2026 Brings North-East India’s Untold Stories to the Screen

One of the featured fiction films is “Ka Pateng”, a 30-minute Khasi-language production directed by Sankirang L. Khongwir and produced by Ponvishal Chidambaranathan for the National Film Development Corporation Ltd.

India's North-East is a region filled with diverse cultures, ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and stories that rarely find space in mainstream conversations. At the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF 2026), audiences are getting a rare opportunity to experience these voices through a specially curated section dedicated to short fiction and documentary films from the eight North-Eastern states.

Running from June 15 to June 21, the festival's North-East showcase brings together films made in Khasi, Nagamese, Ao, Kokborok, Kaubru, Bhutia, Assamese, Manipuri, English, and Mizo. Each film opens a window into a different world, revealing intimate stories of people, communities, traditions, wildlife, and changing social realities.

Rather than presenting a single image of the region, the collection highlights its many identities. From family relationships and cultural preservation to environmental concerns and stories of forgotten heroes, these films capture everyday experiences that continue to shape life across the North-East.

Stories of Family, Memory and Personal Journeys

One of the featured fiction films is "Ka Pateng", a 30-minute Khasi-language production directed by Sankirang L. Khongwir and produced by Ponvishal Chidambaranathan for the National Film Development Corporation Ltd.

Set within a family dealing with loss, the film follows three siblings who reunite after the death of their mother. Years of separation have left emotional distances between them, and each sibling carries unresolved struggles into the reunion. The eldest brother returns from the city after a long absence, the middle sibling remains haunted by a painful childhood memory, while the youngest sister is quietly battling fears connected to her pregnancy.

The film uses a deeply personal setting to explore grief, reconciliation, and the emotional burdens people carry through life. Its focus remains on the quiet tensions that emerge when family members are forced to confront the past together.

Another short fiction title in the showcase is "The Healing Priest (Puithiam)", directed by Napoleon RZ Thanga. The nine-minute Mizo-language film draws inspiration from the traditional Mizo healing ritual known as Daibawl.

The story follows a young man desperate to find a cure for his sick father. His search leads him into a world where ancient beliefs still hold meaning for many people. Through references to traditional healing ceremonies and spiritual practices, the film reflects on how communities balance inherited wisdom with modern ideas about medicine and health. The narrative offers viewers a glimpse into a cultural tradition that remains an important part of Mizo heritage.

Celebrating Culture, Heritage and Remarkable Lives

Several documentaries in the programme focus on preserving cultural memory and honouring individuals whose contributions have shaped their communities. "Lentina Ao – A Light on the Eastern Horizon" tells the inspiring story of one such individual. Directed by Sanjib Parasar and Nilakshi Medhi, the documentary traces the life of social worker Lentina Ao, whose dedication transformed countless lives in Nagaland.

Beginning her journey as a midwife in the Naga Hills in 1955, Lentina Ao spent decades working among local communities. Her efforts extended far beyond healthcare, touching issues of social welfare, education, and community development. The film documents her determination in the face of social barriers and personal challenges, presenting a portrait of a woman whose commitment left a lasting impact on generations of people.

Cultural identity stands at the centre of "My Last Face: Flat-Nose (My Last Face: Kungbara)", directed by Sujit Debbarma and Pranab Jyoti Deka.

Set in Tripura, the documentary explores the traditions of the Reang community through its distinctive attire and ornaments. The film demonstrates that these objects carry far greater significance than decorative value. Clothing, jewellery, and traditional adornments become symbols of spiritual beliefs, collective memory, and ancestral knowledge. Through detailed documentation of these practices, the filmmakers capture traditions that continue to connect present generations with their cultural roots.

The documentary also raises important questions about cultural preservation in a rapidly changing world. As communities adapt to modern lifestyles, maintaining traditional knowledge becomes increasingly important, making such cinematic records valuable historical documents.

Landscapes, History and Nature in Focus

The North-East is often celebrated for its natural beauty, yet several films in the MIFF selection move beyond postcard imagery to reveal deeper stories hidden within the region's landscapes.

"Shangrila – The Hidden Paradise", directed by Samten Bhutia, takes viewers into the Himalayan state of Sikkim. While the state is globally recognised for its scenic beauty and tourism appeal, the documentary seeks to uncover lesser-known aspects of its identity.

The 90-minute Bhutia-language film examines Sikkim's history, culture, geography, and heritage. Through this exploration, audiences encounter stories and perspectives that are often overshadowed by images of snow-capped mountains and picturesque valleys. The documentary presents Sikkim as a living cultural landscape shaped by generations of history and tradition.

History also takes centre stage in "Teens of 1942 (Biyallisar Larali)", an Assamese documentary directed by Samiran Deka.

Created as a tribute to 75 years of India's independence, the film focuses on two teenage freedom fighters, Bholanath Nagaria and Radha Bora. Their names may not appear prominently in history books, yet their courage during India's struggle for freedom left a lasting mark on their communities.

The documentary reconstructs their stories through memories, historical accounts, and personal reflections. By highlighting their sacrifices, the film preserves an important chapter of India's freedom movement while reminding viewers that many unsung heroes contributed to the nation's independence.

Environmental concerns emerge strongly in "Manipur Brow Antlered Deer (Sangai)", directed by Akanksha Sood Singh.

The documentary follows the Sangai, an endangered deer species that has become a symbol of Manipur. Found in the unique floating grasslands of Loktak Lake, the animal occupies a fragile ecosystem that faces numerous threats.

The film captures the beauty of the Sangai while drawing attention to the challenges surrounding wildlife conservation. Its story unfolds against a backdrop of social and political complexities that continue to influence the region. By connecting the survival of the species with the health of its habitat, the documentary highlights the delicate balance between people, nature, and conservation efforts.

A Festival Window into the North-East

The North-East India section at MIFF 2026 offers much more than a collection of films. It serves as a cultural journey across states, languages, and communities whose stories deserve wider recognition.

Each film contributes a unique perspective. Some focus on family relationships and personal struggles. Others preserve traditions, celebrate remarkable lives, revisit forgotten history, or examine the relationship between people and nature. Together, they create a layered portrait of a region defined by diversity, resilience, and creativity.

For festival audiences, these screenings provide an opportunity to engage with voices that are often absent from mainstream cinema. Through local languages, lived experiences, and authentic storytelling, the films reveal the richness of the North-East while inviting viewers to see the region beyond stereotypes and familiar images.

As MIFF 2026 continues, this carefully curated programme stands out as one of the festival's most meaningful showcases, bringing the many stories of North-East India to a national and international audience.