Mr. Sunil Zode Calls for Greater Support and Collaboration to Empower North East Filmmakers
Amarnath,Mumbai.
Chairman of the Indian Chamber of Commerce for Affirmative Action (ICCAA), Mr. Sunil Zode, addressed the audience at the Northeast International Film Festival (NIIFF) in Mumbai, underscoring the immense cultural richness of North East India while highlighting the challenges faced by its filmmakers.
Dignitaries present included Hon. Krishna Pimple, Consul of Tanzania in India & CMD of CISB Group; Hon. MLA Aslam Shaikh; Shri Atul Kulkarni of Namaste Foundation; Mr. Nitin Dhanukar, Director of Orange City; Shri Kailash Jaiswar, and several eminent personalities from the cultural and film fraternity. Mr. Zode congratulated festival organisers Shiraj Henry, Mohan Das, Anuraj Tripathi, Rebecca Changkija Sema, and Jutikaa Mahanta, along with the ICCAA team and associates, for their tireless efforts in bringing the festival to its current stature.
Reflecting on the journey of NIIFF, Mr. Zode said:
“When we began this journey with Find Studioz, the vision was simple – to create a platform where the hidden gems of North East India could shine. These films are not just entertainment; they are windows into the heart, culture, and traditions of this beautiful region.”
While praising the creativity of North East filmmakers, Mr. Zode candidly pointed out systemic challenges:
• Limited access to finance and subsidies
• Lack of marketing networks available to mainstream cinema
• Difficulties in bringing stories to larger audiences
He expressed gratitude to the Government of India and State Governments for their support so far, but strongly appealed for special schemes, subsidies, and marketing platforms dedicated to North East cinema.
Calling for industry-wide collaboration, Mr. Zode urged mainstream filmmakers and production houses to partner with North East creators:
“Not as charity, but as an investment in India’s cultural diversity. If government, industry, and creative communities work together, we can ensure the voice of the North East is not just heard, but celebrated across India and the world.”
The Northeast International Film Festival continues to serve as a beacon for showcasing the unexplored talent and narratives from the region, fostering dialogue between communities, and positioning North East cinema on the global stage.
About Mr. Sunil Zode:
Mr. Zode is the Chairman of the Indian Chamber of Commerce for Affirmative Action (ICCAA) and has held prominent roles including Member of the High Powered Monitoring Committee, NSSH 2021 (Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India), Governing Council Member of the World Constitution and Parliament Association, Asmechem Chamber of India, and MACCIA.
