Manipur will host the second edition of the National Tribal Film Festival, titled Tribal Frames Manipur 2026, from 12 to 15 November in Imphal, alongside a state-level tribal cultural festival marking the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda, officials announced on Monday, 9 November 2026. The twin events are being organised to coincide with Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada and are expected to draw filmmakers, artists and cultural practitioners from across India's tribal regions.

About the Film Festival

Director of Tribal Affairs and Hills, R. Rang Peter, said the four-day festival is being organised by the department through the Tribal Research Institute, in collaboration with the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) and with the support of the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Screenings will take place at the Palace Auditorium of MSFDS in Imphal.

More than 28 feature films, documentaries and short films from Northeast India, Ladakh, Jharkhand and other tribal regions will be showcased during the four days. Beyond screenings, the festival will feature interactions with filmmakers, masterclasses, panel discussions, cultural performances and a photography exhibition — offering a platform for creative exchange and advocacy for tribal narratives in cinema.

Emerging Voices Workshop

A three-day filmmaking workshop titled 'TFM 20 Emerging Voices' will run from 10 to 12 November, targeting 20 young participants drawn from the state's six hill districts. The workshop is designed to build both creative and technical filmmaking skills, with a focus on storytelling rooted in tribal experience. Officials noted that nurturing grassroots filmmaking talent is a central goal of the festival's broader mandate.

State-Level Tribal Cultural Festival

Separately, the State-Level Tribal Cultural Festival 2026 will be held at the City Convention Centre in Imphal from 15 to 18 November. The four-day event will showcase traditional dances, music, indigenous cuisines, handloom and handicraft exhibitions, and traditional games, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of Manipur's tribal communities.

The cultural festival commences on 15 November with the observance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, marking the culmination of Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada and paying tribute to the legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to virtually participate in the state-level programme, according to officials.

How This Edition Compares to the First

The inaugural edition of the National Tribal Film Festival was held in Imphal from 12 to 15 November 2025, drawing filmmakers from nine states and screening 23 films based on tribal themes. The second edition has expanded that footprint — with more than 28 films now lined up and participation extended to Ladakh and additional tribal regions beyond the Northeast. This scaling up reflects the festival's growing ambition to position Imphal as a national hub for tribal cinema.

Significance and Objectives

Officials stated that the primary objective of the National Tribal Film Festival is to promote cinema as a medium for preserving and showcasing tribal culture, traditions and heritage. The festival also seeks to encourage cultural education and foster empathy, mutual respect and community harmony. This comes amid a broader national push under Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada to mainstream tribal history and identity across public discourse. The twin events together are expected to provide visibility for the diverse traditions of tribal communities while creating pathways for emerging talent.