The 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF 2026), running from June 15 to 21, 2026, has curated a special section dedicated to short fiction films and documentaries from India's North-Eastern states. This section showcases seven films that highlight the region's cultural traditions, historical narratives, and ecological diversity through local languages including Khasi, Nagamese, Ao, Kokborok, Bhutia, Assamese, Manipuri, and Mizo.
The films include KA PATENG, a 30-minute Khasi-language short fiction about estranged siblings reuniting after their mother's death, produced by National Film Development Corporation Ltd. LENTINA AO - A LIGHT ON THE EASTERN HORIZON documents the life of social worker Lentina Ao and her work for Naga community welfare, also produced by NFDC. MY LAST FACE: FLAT-NOSE explores the Reang community's cultural heritage in Tripura through traditional attire and ornaments.
SHANGRILA - THE HIDDEN PARADISE is a 90-minute Sikkimese (Bhutia) language documentary examining Sikkim's history and culture beyond its tourism appeal, produced by NFDC. TEENS OF 1942 is an Assamese documentary tribute to teenage freedom fighters Bholanath Nagaria and Radha Bora, commemorating 75 years of India's independence. THE HEALING PRIEST is a 9-minute Mizo-language short fiction exploring traditional healing practices. MANIPUR BROW ANTLERED DEER (SANGAI) is a 30-minute bilingual documentary about the endangered Sangai deer subspecies and conservation efforts in Manipur's floating grasslands.
The National Film Development Corporation Ltd produced four of the seven films, demonstrating institutional support for regional cinema. The films cover themes including family dynamics, social work, cultural preservation, historical documentation, traditional healing practices, and wildlife conservation, providing insights into the diverse communities and landscapes of North-East India.
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