Filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar to speak at panel discussion on NE Cinema in IFFI Goa 2025

The National Film Development Corporation, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India has invited the leading filmmaker of north east India Haobam Paban Kumar to be one of the speaker in the panel discussion of the forthcoming International Film Festival of India commencing from November 20, 2025 in Goa. Other panelists are Reema Borah and Maharishi Tuhin Kashyap. Garo filmmaker Dominic Sangma will be the moderator of the panel discussion. The topic is “New North East Cinema and Film Schools” and the discussion will take place on November 27, 2025 from 11.30 AM to 1.00 PM.
Festival authority says, “This topic analyses the emerging new wave of filmmakers from Indian film schools, particularly those from the Northeast region. It examines how these institutions serve as a crucible for unique voices, bringing fresh perspectives and narratives to Indian cinema. The discussion focuses on the impact and rise to prominence of these directors on the Indian cinematic landscape.”
Reema Borah, an alumna of FTII Pune, is a renowned filmmaker from the Northeast known for her critically acclaimed work, including her debut feature film Bokul. She is a powerful cinematic voice committed to bringing authentic, regional narratives to the forefront.
Maharishi Tuhin Kashyap, an alumnus of SRFTI Kolkata, gained international recognition with his feature film Kok Kok Kokoook. It was recently selected for the Vision Asia section at the 30th Busan Film Festival, following his short film The Horse From Heaven being India’s official entry to the 2023 Oscars.
Haobam Paban Kumar, an alumnus of SRFTI Kolkata, an acclaimed filmmaker whose powerful, issue-based documentaries and features, such as AFSPA, 1958 and Loktak Lairembee, have garnered multiple National Film Awards and premiered at prestigious international festivals like Berlin and Busan. He is a Swarna Kamal awardee filmmaker. He was honoured as the Legend of Indian Cinema by the Government of India in the 50th IFFI, Goa.
Dominic Sangma, an alumnus of SRFTI Kolkata is a renown filmmaker based in the Northeastern Indian state Meghalaya. His Ma.Ama won the Best Film Award in Garo language in the 66th National Film Awards. His feature film Rapture won many awards at film festivals and awards, held in India and abroad.
Haobam Paban Kunar will also serve as Jury in the 31st Kolkata International Film Festival 2025 to be held at Kolkata from November 6-13, 2025.