A Recap of the 10th Arunachal Film Festival 2025
Arunachal Pradesh is making remarkable strides in the world of cinema, and the 10th edition of the Arunachal Film Festival (AFF) 2025, held from February 6 to 8 at TNZ Cinemas, Itanagar, marked another milestone in the state’s growing film industry. Organized by the Information & Public Relations (IPR) Department, in collaboration with the Film Federation of Arunachal (FFA), this three-day festival celebrated the burgeoning cinematic talents from the region.
Celebrating Emerging Talents
As Arunachal Pradesh continues to carve a name for itself in the film world, AFF has emerged as a crucial platform for both established and emerging filmmakers to showcase their work, engage with fellow creatives, and inspire the next generation of talent. This year’s festival was a testament to the state’s rapidly growing film community, which is now garnering national and international recognition.
With screenings, panel discussions, and insightful workshops, the festival provided a comprehensive platform for filmmakers to present their works, engage with industry professionals, and gain new insights into the art of filmmaking. The event’s inauguration by Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona highlighted the vital role of the festival in fostering the local film industry and supporting emerging talent. AFF 2025 emphasized the growing importance of cinema as a medium of communication and a tool for change.
A Glimpse into the Creative Journey: Film Screenings and Premieres
The festival opened with the premiere of Zero Se Restart, a documentary directed by Jaskunwar Kohli. The film offered an intimate look at the creative journey behind the highly acclaimed 12th Fail, shedding light on the process and passion that brought the inspiring story to life.
In addition to Zero Se Restart, the festival featured a diverse selection of films, including impactful documentaries such as Grandpa, What’s Your Name? and Our Land, Our Lives. These documentaries offered powerful glimpses into real-life stories, drawing attention to pressing social, cultural, and environmental issues in Arunachal Pradesh. The films were deeply moving, sparking thoughtful discussions among attendees about the region’s unique challenges.
The short film category was also a highlight, with films like Mok Mu, Changes, and When Will the Moon Bloom Again? captivating audiences with their innovative storytelling and unique narratives. These films exemplified the immense talent emerging from the region and further demonstrated Arunachal Pradesh’s potential as a hub of creative filmmaking.
In Conversation with Chum Darang: From Arunachal to Bollywood
One of the festival’s major highlights was the special In Conversation with Chum session, featuring Bollywood actress Chum Darang. Known for her powerful performances, including her role in Badhaai Do, Chum shared her inspiring journey from Northeast India to Bollywood, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities she encountered along the way.
Her story resonated deeply with the audience, especially young aspiring artists, showing them that with talent and determination, it’s possible to overcome barriers and achieve success in mainstream cinema. A true inspiration, her journey underscores the vital importance of greater representation for Northeast India in the wider Indian film industry.
Workshops: Mastering the Craft of Filmmaking
In addition to the screenings, AFF 2025 featured two insightful workshops. The first, titled The Art of Cinematography, was conducted by Raktim Modol, a professor at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Modol’s session focused on the vital role cinematography plays in storytelling. He emphasized the importance of lighting, composition, and script interpretation in creating impactful visuals and provided a well-rounded understanding of the cinematographer’s role across different genres, including commercials, documentaries, and fiction films.
The second workshop, Animation Filmmaking: From Script to Screen, was led by Vinod VS from Toon Media Group. Vinod took participants through the animation production pipeline, explaining the steps involved—from conceptualization and storyboarding to 3D modeling, character design, and sound. His workshop provided valuable insights into the creative and technical aspects of animation filmmaking, offering filmmakers an alternative avenue for emotional and cultural storytelling. With animation continuing to grow in significance, the session was particularly valuable for those looking to explore this rapidly evolving field.
Winners of the 10th Edition of the Arunachal Film Festival 2024-25
- Best Short Film: Mok-Mu by Chau Anandra Namchoom
- Jury’s Special Mention Award (Runner-Up): Changes by Dawn Mountain
- Best Short Documentary Film: Grandpa, What’s Your Name? by Lobsang Phuntso
- Jury’s Special Mention Award (Runner-Up): Our Land, Our Lives by Telenga Hasa
A New Dawn for Arunachal’s Film Industry
The 10th edition of the Arunachal Film Festival was a testament to the growing importance of cinema in Arunachal Pradesh. As the state continues to position itself as a key player in the Indian film industry, AFF has played an integral role in showcasing local talent and providing filmmakers with a platform to display their work to a broader audience. With its commitment to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers, providing opportunities for learning, and promoting regional cinema, the Arunachal Film Festival remains a crucial event in the state’s cultural calendar.
The festival’s success in 2025 reaffirms that Arunachal Pradesh is on the path to becoming an exciting hub for creative talent and filmmaking in India. With its continued success, the Arunachal Film Festival is set to remain a beacon for the creative community in the region and an important event for the future of Indian cinema.
