The 3rd North East India Film Festival (NEIFF) 2026 concluded successfully today at TanthaPolis Cinema, Lamphel, after a two-day run that began on March 21.

The festival was jointly organised by THOUNA, the Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Manipur, and the All Manipur Film Producers Association, with sponsorship from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).
Addressing the closing ceremony, Secretary (IPR, Tourism & PHED), Hungyo Worshang, IAS, lauded THOUNA for organising the event despite challenges, including financial constraints. He highlighted the need for dedicated funding for film awards and recognition platforms and expressed hope that such provisions would be included in future initiatives.

Emphasising the significance of film festivals, he said they offer valuable exposure to the diverse cultures and heritage of the Northeastern states. He also stressed the role of cinema in portraying realistic human emotions and societal struggles, particularly during Manipur’s transition towards peace. He urged filmmakers to work beyond divisions and contribute towards promoting unity, harmony and humanity through cinema.

The closing ceremony featured a masterclass by Alexander Leo Pou and was attended by Festival Director Laimayum Surjakanta, Organising Committee Chairman Y. Nilachandra Singh, Additional Director DIPR Tongbram Ramesh Singh, and members of the film fraternity.

In the awards segment, Collage won Best Feature Film, while Toy Gun received the Best Non-Feature Film award. Monjul Baruah was honoured as Best Director for Romantic Affairs. Other winners included Pradip Daimary (Best Cinematographer for Ha Lyngkha Bneng), Sanjib Gogoi (Best Editor for Noi Kotha), Debajit Gayan (Best Sound Designer for Kangbo Aloti), and Doren Naorem (Best Screenwriter for The Check Post). Phouoibee received the Jury Special Award, white Laininghal Naoria Phullo earned a Special Mention.

A total of nine films were screened during the festival, which aimed to promote films of aesthetic and technical excellence while showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Northeast India. The festival also sought to encourage a vibrant and inclusive film industry and foster appreciation of cinema as an art form, contributing to national unity and integrity.