Gangtok, Mar 12: The Department of Information & Public Relations (IPR), Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC), announced the first edition of the Sikkim International Film Festival (SIFF) in Gangtok.
A press conference was held in the capital today as a curtain raiser for the festival, which is scheduled from March 19 to 22.
Officials said the festival aims to celebrate cinema while promoting Sikkim as an emerging destination for filmmaking and cultural exchange. It will bring together filmmakers, artistes, critics, and cinema enthusiasts from across India and abroad to foster dialogue, collaboration, and appreciation for diverse cinematic expressions.
Tashi Tshering Bhutia, Chairman of the Sikkim Music, Drama, Dance and Film Board, said the festival marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen film culture and provide a platform for creative talent. “Through SIFF, we aim to showcase the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and creative potential of Sikkim to the global film community,” he said.
He added that Sikkim has evolved as a hub for the creative economy since 2019 under the guidance of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and the festival is a key initiative under this vision.
Ashit Rai, Chairman of the IPR Department, noted that the festival coincides with the emergence of Sikkimese filmmakers gaining recognition nationally and internationally. He said SIFF will offer a platform for collaboration and position Sikkim as a favourable destination for global filmmakers.
Annapurna Alley, Secretary of the IPR Department and Festival Director, said the four-day festival will include curated national and international film screenings, panel discussions, masterclasses, and interactive sessions with notable personalities from the film fraternity.
A special screening will highlight the cinematic legacy of Satyajit Ray, including a historic documentary on Sikkim, underscoring the state’s cultural and cinematic heritage.
The festival will also feature the SIFF Market at Chintan Bhawan to facilitate co-productions, distribution, and industry partnerships. Activities will include film pitching, panel discussions, masterclasses, and one-on-one interactions with industry experts.
The Short Film Competition, open to participants from Sikkim, North Bengal, Nepal, and Bhutan, aims to encourage emerging filmmakers and innovative storytelling.
Yougan Tamang, Press Secretary to the Chief Minister and PR and Communication Head of SIFF, detailed the festival itinerary, which will span three venues in Gangtok. He emphasized opportunities for youth to interact with industry professionals and gain exposure to global cinema.
He added that the festival is organised under the guidance of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who has supported initiatives to promote filmmaking, cultural expression, and the creative economy in Sikkim.
Nitesh Rohit, Market and Programme Director of SIFF, highlighted his role in shaping the festival’s cinematic programme and emerging market platform to position Sikkim as a hub for cinema and creative exchange in the Himalayan region.
During the event, officials unveiled the festival logo, publicity materials, film lineup, and a list of probable delegates from the film industry. Gratitude was expressed to the NFDC and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting for their support in organising the festival.
