Hyderabad: Telangana North East Connect Film Festival opened in Hyderabad after Hon’ble Governor Jishnu Dev Varma inaugurated the two-day event at Prasads IMAX. Moreover, he joined the audience for the first screening, which featured Tripura’s National Award-winning film Yarving, directed by Father Joseph. Senior officials, filmmakers and delegates from all eight North Eastern states attended the inaugural programme.
During his speech, the Governor said the festival moved beyond a cultural exchange and created space for collaborations in healthcare, IT, women’s empowerment, creative arts and youth engagement. He noted that the diversity of the North East and the energy of Telangana offered a strong scope for long-term partnerships. Additionally, he said both regions held unique strengths that could support shared growth.
Telangana North East Connect festival celebrates cinema and collaboration
The Governor spoke about the unifying force of cinema and said films crossed barriers of language, geography and identity. He explained that Telugu cinema enjoyed steady popularity across remote tribal communities in the North East. Furthermore, he said the exchange of stories strengthened national unity and widened creative understanding.
He praised the vibrant filmmaking culture of Tripura, Manipur, Assam, Meghalaya and Sikkim. He urged creators from both regions to explore co-productions, technical collaboration and fresh cinematic styles. In addition, he inaugurated the Media Centre, interacted with visiting teams and underlined the value of cultural dialogue.
Telangana North East Connect showcases curated films from six states
The festival lineup featured acclaimed films such as Tara (Sikkim Nepali), Kuki (Hindi), Onaatah (Khasi), Eikhoigi Yum (Manipuri), and Red or Pakhi (Assamese). Telugu films presented by TGFDC included Na Bangaru Thalli, Pottel and Mallesham. Officials said 12 curated films from Tripura, Manipur, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Telangana formed the core of the showcase.
Earlier, I&PR Commissioner and TGFDC Managing Director Priyanka Chekka welcomed delegates and outlined the broader aim of the Telangana–North East Connect initiative. Ministers Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and Vakiti Srihari, Film Development Corporation Chairman Dil Raju and senior officers also attended the event. Moreover, the organisers said the festival aimed to deepen engagement between filmmakers and cultural bodies from both regions.