North East India Film Festival invites entries
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 09 2026:
The 3rd North East India Film Festival (NEIFF) 2026 has kicked off its application process, inviting filmmakers from across the region to submit entries ahead of the main event on March 21-22 at TanthaPolis Cinema in Lamphel.
Organised by THOUNA, Manipur, in association with the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Manipur, and the All Manipur Film Producers Association, the festival is sponsored by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and the National Film Development Corporation.
Addressing a press conference today at DIPR auditorium in Keishampat, Y Nilachandra Singh, chairman of the Organising Committee NEIFF 2026, said that the festival celebrates the North East's rich cultural tapestry through cinema, promoting unity, integrity, and social relevance.
He shared that the NEIFF spotlights emerging talentdirectors, artists, writers, and producers - while fostering a vibrant, inclusive film industry and elevating cinema as an art form.
Award Categories
The festival offers prestigious awards, including a citation, statuette, and cash prize in these categories: Best Feature Film, Best NonFeature Film, Best Director (Feature Film), Best Cinematography (Feature Film), Best Editing (Feature Film), Best Sound (Feature Film), Best Screenplay (Feature Film), and Hon'ble Jury Award.
A "Special Mention" may also be awarded at the jury's discretion to standout films or individuals.
Submission Details
Filmmakers interested in participating must adhere to a strict schedule.
The deadline for all online applications and film entries is set for March 19, 2026, at 5 pm .
Entries are open for feature and non-feature films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1 and December 31, 2025 .
There is no entry fee.
All submission materials should be sent to the festival office located at 3rd NEIFF 2026 (CELL), TanthaPolis Cinema, Lamphel.
For comprehensive details regarding the prescribed entry form, along with the complete rules and regulations for film entry, applicants are advised to visit the official festival website - "https://neiffman.org" .




