Gangtok, March 12 The first-ever Sikkim International Film Festival will be held in the state capital from March 19-22, officials said on Thursday.
The film festival will be organized by the Department of Information & Public Relations, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC), they said.
Sikkim's Music, Drama, Dance and Film Board Chairman Tashi Tshering Bhutia told reporters that the festival aims to celebrate the art of cinema while promoting Sikkim as an emerging destination for filmmaking and cultural exchange.
The festival is envisioned as a platform that will bring together filmmakers, artistes, critics, and cinema enthusiasts from across the country and abroad, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and appreciation for diverse cinematic expressions, they said.
Bhutia said that the launch of the Sikkim International Film Festival marks an important milestone in the state's efforts to strengthen film culture and provide a meaningful platform for creative talent.
"Cinema is a powerful medium that connects cultures, ideas and people. Through SIFF, we aim to showcase the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and creative potential of Sikkim to the global film community," Bhutia said.
He said that Sikkim has evolved as a distinct hub for creative economy since 2019 through the personal guidance and patronage of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
IPR Chairman Ashit Rai said that the Sikkim International Film Festival comes at a time when Sikkim is witnessing a coming of age of filmmakers making their presence felt in India and abroad.
He said that the film festival will provide a platform for meaningful exchanges and collaborations and establish Sikkim as a favourable destination for filmmakers from around the world.
Information & Public Relations Department secretary Annapurna Alley, who is also the Festival Director, said that the four-day festival will feature a curated selection of national and international films along with special screenings, panel discussions, masterclasses, and interactive sessions with noted personalities from the film fraternity.
"The festival is envisioned not only as a cultural celebration but as a strategic step towards establishing Sikkim as a recognised destination for film, storytelling, and creative collaboration," she said.
Alley said that a key highlight will be a special screening dedicated to the cinematic legacy of Satyajit Ray, including the historic documentary on Sikkim, which holds immense cultural and historical significance for the state.
The secretary further said that the festival will host a short film competition, for which entries have already been invited from Sikkim, North Bengal and neighbouring countries of Nepal and Bhutan.
