Relevance: GS Paper I (Culture) | Source: NEIFF 2026

The film ‘Collage’ has won the Best Feature Film Award at the 3rd North East India Film Festival (NEIFF) 2026 held in Manipur.

More About the News

The North East India Film Festival (NEIFF) was organised in Imphal (Manipur) with the aim of promoting regional cinema, artistic storytelling, and technical excellence in filmmaking across Northeast India.

Key Highlights

• Best Feature Film: Collage
  • Produced by Sumitra Hazarika
  • Directed by Amar Deep Gogoi
• Best Non-Feature Film: Toy Gun
  • Directed by Thingnam Parshuram

Other Major Awards

• Best Director: Monjul Baruah (Romantic Affairs)
• Best Cinematographer: Pradip Daimary (Ha Lyngkha Bneng)
• Best Editor: Sanjib Gogoi (Noi Kotha)
• Best Sound Designer: Debajit Gayan (Kangbo Aloti)
• Best Screenwriter: Doren Naorem (The Check Post)
• Jury Special Award: Phouoibee

About NEIFF

Operates under:

• Supported by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
• Backed by National Film Development Corporation (NFDC)

Speared headed by:

• Directorate of Information and Public Relations (Manipur)
• All Manipur Film Producers Association
• THOUNA (film body)

Objectives:

• Promote regional cinema of Northeast India
• Encourage aesthetic and technical excellence
• Provide a platform for emerging filmmakers

APSC Value Box

Aspect	Details
Why this issue matters for culture	Regional cinema plays a crucial role in preserving cultural identity, promoting linguistic diversity, and showcasing local narratives at national and global levels.
Challenge and Reform	The key challenge is limited funding, distribution, and visibility for regional films. Strengthening institutional support, digital platforms, and film festivals can help mainstream Northeast cinema.

Exam Hook

Prelims (MCQ)

Consider the following statements:

• North East India Film Festival is supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• National Film Development Corporation promotes regional cinema in India.
• The festival is exclusively organised by private film studios.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

One-line Wrap

The success of Collage at NEIFF 2026 highlights the growing strength of Northeast India’s regional cinema and cultural storytelling on national platforms.