Guwahati, May 2: A pivotal discussion on the future of cinema in Northeast India took place on May 1 at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, hosted at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai. Titled “Challenges and Prospects of Cinema in Northeast India,” this session brought together influential figures from the region’s film industry, highlighting its vibrant cinematic culture and addressing various pressing issues.
The panel featured notable filmmakers and actors, including Jahnu Barua, Jatin Bora, Ravi Sarma, Aimee Baruah, Haobam Paban Kumar from Manipur, and Dominic Sangma from Meghalaya. Each has significantly influenced the film scene in their respective states, making the discussion all the more relevant. The conversation centered around challenges such as inadequate production infrastructure, language barriers, limited market access, and a lack of institutional support that hinder the growth of this burgeoning industry.
Veteran filmmaker Jahnu Barua emphasized the exceptional talent pool in the Northeast, stating, “Filmmakers from this region are producing remarkable work.” He underscored the importance of the region’s rich tapestry of culture and storytelling potential, expressing optimism for the future as younger talents emerge.
Jatin Bora, the celebrated actor from Assam, addressed the pressing issue of limited distribution reach for Northeastern films outside their home states. He advocated for the development of over-the-top (OTT) platforms to help market regional films and reach wider audiences, urging the government to support their establishment. Bora stressed the necessity for long-term policies from both the central and state governments to strengthen the regional film infrastructure, citing that even the best films can falter without a solid distribution network.
Ravi Sarma pointed to the urgent need for systemic investment in creative infrastructure within the Northeast. He highlighted that financial backing and a robust marketing framework are crucial for the industry’s growth, stating, “The Northeast holds millions of beautiful and unique stories.” His call for additional funding underscored the region’s potential to contribute significantly to the Indian cinematic landscape.
Actor-director Aimee Baruah reflected on the role of cinema in safeguarding linguistic diversity, noting, “Our languages carry centuries of oral history. Film is a powerful medium to protect and promote them.” This sentiment was echoed by filmmakers Haobam Paban Kumar and Dominic Sangma, who shared their experiences working at grassroots levels, often without formal support systems in place.
The session concluded on a hopeful note. Panelists advocated for policy reforms and regional collaborations while emphasizing the strategic use of OTT platforms as a means to dismantle traditional barriers. They called upon all stakeholders, including government bodies, private investors, and national studios, to unite in recognizing and amplifying the cinematic voices of Northeast India.
This gathering not only spotlighted the unique challenges faced by filmmakers in the region but also celebrated their resilience and creativity, reaffirming that despite the hurdles, the Northeast remains a fertile ground for cultural storytelling and cinematic innovation.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/entertainment/waves-2025-ne-filmmakers-call-for-institutional-financial-support-1576043
Category : Assam,North East,Entertainment
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Publish Date: 2025-05-02 16:16:00
