At the prestigious Northeast India International Film Festival (NIIFF) 2025, held in Mumbai, Mr. Sunil Zode, Chairman of the Indian Chamber of Commerce for Affirmative Action (ICCAA), delivered an inspiring address that underscored both the cultural richness of North East India and the pressing challenges faced by its filmmakers.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including 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 other eminent cultural and film industry personalities.

Mr. Zode congratulated the festival organisers — Shiraj Henry, Mohan Das, Anuraj Tripathi, Rebecca Changkija Sema, and Jutikaa Mahanta — along with the ICCAA team and associates, for their dedication and relentless efforts in shaping the festival into a prominent platform for North East cinema.

Celebrating a Vision for the North East
Reflecting on the journey of NIIFF, Mr. Zode noted:

“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.”

He emphasized that the films emerging from the North East embody authenticity, diversity, and creativity — qualities that deserve national and global recognition.

Addressing Challenges in North East Cinema
While praising the talent of North East filmmakers, Mr. Zode also acknowledged systemic barriers that continue to hinder their growth:

• Limited access to finance and subsidies
• Lack of strong marketing networks compared to mainstream cinema
• Challenges in reaching larger and more diverse audiences

He expressed gratitude to both the Government of India and respective State Governments for their ongoing support, while firmly advocating for special schemes, subsidies, and dedicated marketing platforms to uplift North East cinema.

A Call for Collaboration
Mr. Zode passionately appealed to mainstream filmmakers, production houses, and industry leaders to embrace collaboration 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.”

NIIFF: A Beacon for North East Talent
The Northeast India International Film Festival continues to stand as a beacon for celebrating untold stories and unexplored talent from the region. By fostering dialogue between communities and amplifying diverse narratives, the festival plays a pivotal role in positioning North East cinema on both the national and global stage.

About Mr. Sunil Zode
Mr. Sunil Zode is the Chairman of the Indian Chamber of Commerce for Affirmative Action (ICCAA). He has served in several notable capacities, including:

• Member, High Powered Monitoring Committee, NSSH 2021, Ministry of MSME, Government of India
• Governing Council Member, World Constitution and Parliament Association
• Governing Council Member, Asmechem Chamber of India
• Governing Council Member, MACCIA

A distinguished leader and advocate, Mr. Zode continues to champion inclusion, empowerment, and cultural representation across India.