CM shares vision of positioning Sikkim on global cultural map through SIFF

ISABELLA GURUNG

GANGTOK,: Sikkim International Film Festival (SIFF) 2026 was inaugurated on Thursday by Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister and SIFF patron-in-chief Prem Singh Tamang-Golay by jointly clapping the director’s clapboard at the inaugural ceremony held at Manan Kendra here.

The SIFF, organized by the Information and Public Relations (IPR) department in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), is a platform that brings together filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences to celebrate cinema from around the world. Through a curated selection of films,conversations, and industry interactions, the festival creates a space for culturalexchange and creative dialogue.

The festival is participated by 19 countries and will screen 40+ films from March 19 to 22. Alongside global cinema, SIFF places a strong focus on voices from Sikkim and the North-Eastern region, providing a stage for local stories while connecting them with the wider national and international film community.

Objectives of SIFF are to establish Sikkim as a significant cultural and cinematic destination by creating, a platform that showcases diverse global and regional cinema, while fostering creative exchange, industry engagement, and greater visibility for filmmakers from Sikkim and the North-Eastern region.

The inaugural session had the participation of cabinet ministers, filmmakers and guests from around the world.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay expressed pride and honour in hosting the first international film festival in Sikkim. He expressed sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Government of India, particularly the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation, for their consistent support and patronage, without which the festival would not have been possible.

The Chief Minister further conveyed his appreciation to the Governor of Sikkim, Om Prakash Mathur, stating that his presence had added dignity and significance to the occasion.He remarked that the festival marked a significant milestone in Sikkim’s journey towards establishing itself as a global centre of art, culture, and creative expression. He noted that SIFF was an important cultural initiative positioning Sikkim as a vibrant meeting point for cinema, creativity, and cultural exchange in the Eastern Himalayan region, while also reflecting the State government’s commitment to promoting arts, culture, and the creative economy.

Highlighting the significance of cinema, Golay stated that it was not merely a form of entertainment but a powerful medium of storytelling that transcends borders, connects communities, and fosters mutual understanding.

He informed that SIFF 2026 aimed to celebrate meaningful cinema and provide a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. He expressed satisfaction over the collaboration with the European Union and other participating countries, noting that such partnerships strengthened people-to-people connections and cultural exchange.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the festival featured key components such as the short film competition open to filmmakers from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, and the neighbouring regions, along with the SIFF Film Market, which would provide a platform for filmmakers and creative professionals to pitch ideas, explore financing opportunities, and connect with wider audiences.

He added that workshops and masterclasses by industry experts would further equip participants with practical skills and insights, thereby strengthening the creative ecosystem.

Golay stated that since 2019, Sikkim had been steadily emerging as a promising destination for the creative economy under the state government’s focused initiatives. He added that by nurturing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the youth, the State was contributing meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The Chief Minister further highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the State government to promote the creative sector, including the establishment of art galleries, introduction of the State’s Creative Economy Policy, and programmes such as Kalakar Bharosa Samman to recognise and support artists. He also mentioned continued financial assistance to institutions like the Sikkim State Academy of Music, Dance and Drama for promoting performing arts.

He informed that the Government had introduced recognitions such as Sikkim Film Awards, Golden Voice of Sikkim, and Golden Feet to encourage young talent. He further stated that cash incentives were being provided for films shot in Sikkim with substantial local participation, which not only supported the film industry but also generated employment and showcased the state’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

He also mentioned the proposal to establish a Nepali Film Certification Board in Sikkim to ease logistical challenges for filmmakers and support the growth of Nepali-language cinema in the region.

Emphasising Sikkim’s potential as a filming destination, the Chief Minister noted that the State’s scenic landscapes and cultural richness had long attracted filmmakers. He recalled that works associated with legendary cinematic personalities such as Dev Anand had been filmed in the region, and acknowledged the contributions of noted personalities including Ugyen Chopel, Danny Denzongpa and Geetanjali Thapa, among others, who have brought recognition to Sikkim through their achievements.

He further noted that with the rise of digital platforms, Sikkim had also gained visibility in global content, thereby strengthening its position as an emerging hub for filmmaking.

The Chief Minister stated that SIFF was not merely an event but a vision to place Sikkim on the global cultural map, create opportunities for youth, and celebrate the universal language of cinema. He expressed confidence that the festival would inspire collaborations and open new avenues for filmmakers and artists.

He concluded by extending his sincere thanks to the Government of India, all partners, participants, and organisers for their invaluable support. He warmly welcomed all guests to Sikkim and expressed hope that they would carry back not only memories of cinema but also the warmth, culture, and spirit of the State.

Sikkim Music, Drama, Dance and Film Board chairman Tashi Tshering Bhutia, in his address, stated that the festival has proven to be highly beneficial, offering a significant platform for creative collaboration and contribution.He further noted that this year marks a historic milestone with the introduction of Sikkim’s first ever short film competition, which received an impressive number of outstanding entries. The festival has successfully brought together eminent filmmakers, artists, distinguished personalities, and local talents.

In his keynote address, CEO, Producer’s Guild of India, Nitin Tej Ahuja, emphasised that despite Sikkim’s exceptional natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, the State is yet to fully realise its potential as a major film production hub. As the home of iconic personalities like Danny Denzongpa, he noted that Sikkim holds immense promise to attract filmmakers from across the country and the world. He further emphasised that promoting film production in the state can generate significant employment opportunities, drive economic growth, and boost tourism.

Highlighting the strength of Indian cinema, Ahuja remarked that India remains one of the few countries where audiences continue to embrace local stories, languages, and talent over global blockbusters without imposing restrictions on international content, reflecting the enduring global influence of Indian cinema.

Furthermore, filmmakers from Sikkim, Tribeny Rai, Prashant Rasaily, and Samten Bhutia, were honoured for their unwavering commitment to filmmaking and their significant contributions to the field of cinema in the State.

The programme also featured the declaration and distribution of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes for the winners of the SIFF Short Film Competition 2026.

The first prize was bagged by ‘Doko Ko Chahari’, directed by Sujan Lamjel. Likewise the second and third prizes were bagged by Anantdip Rasaily’s ‘Setoghari’ and Arbin Rai’s ‘Eternal Kinship’.

The Preview Committee shortlisted the top ten films from all the entries based on their individual markings. Along with the ten films, the committee sent five films as Special Mention.

The top ten films along with the five special mention films were screened by a jury compromising of four eminent filmmakers namely Samten Bhutia, Prashant Rasaily, Vivek Rai and Dawa Lepcha.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by IPR secretary Annapurna Alley, wherein she highlighted the significance of the festival in promoting cinema and fostering orange/creative economy in the State.

In the afternoon, a special Red Carpet event was held at the West Point Mall, where the Chief Minister, along with Cabinet Ministers, global, national as well as local guests walked the red carpet.

The evening session included the special screening of Satyajit Ray’s documentary ‘Sikkim’ and film ‘Boong’.

The second day will include screening of films at PVR Inox as well as the SIFF market to be held at Chintan Bhawan.