Assamese filmmakers call for policy support and OTT expansion at WAVES 2025 to boost Northeast cinema

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 2, 2025

In a pivotal moment for cinema from India’s Northeast, leading filmmakers and actors from Assam participated in a high-profile panel discussion titled “Challenges and Prospects of Cinema in Northeast India” at WAVES 2025—the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit held at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai.

The session spotlighted both the unique storytelling strengths of the region and the critical structural barriers that continue to hinder its growth. Issues such as inadequate production infrastructure, language diversity, market isolation, and lack of policy-level support were discussed in depth.

Veteran director Jahnu Barua opened the discussion by celebrating the region’s creative potential.

“The Northeast is a reservoir of talent. We have rich stories rooted in culture, history, and human experience. The future of our cinema is bright,” he said.

Popular Assamese actor Jatin Bora emphasized the need to expand the reach of regional films beyond the Northeast.

“Without a proper distribution network, our best films don’t cross state lines. Assam urgently needs dedicated OTT platforms, and both central and state governments must step in with long-term policies,” he urged.

Actor Ravi Sarma echoed the need for systemic investment, particularly in production and marketing infrastructure.

“Millions of compelling stories remain untold because filmmakers lack financial backing,” he said, urging private and public sectors to recognize the value of the region’s cinematic voices.

Actor-director Aimee Baruah highlighted the role of cinema in preserving linguistic diversity.

“Each of our languages carries centuries of oral tradition. Film is not just art—it’s a tool for preservation,” she said.

Filmmakers Haobam Paban Kumar and Dominic Sangma shared perspectives from the ground, noting that many storytellers operate without formal support systems. They called for decentralization and grassroots-level funding opportunities.

The session concluded with a unified call for policy reforms, regional collaborations, and the strategic use of OTT platforms to scale Northeast cinema. Panelists urged government agencies, private investors, and national studios to work together in transforming the region’s cultural richness into global cinematic recognition.