Samvaad 2025 Announces Film Festival Winners on Day Four

Tribal Filmmakers from 13 States Compete in National Event

Key Points:

• 42 film entries received from 38 filmmakers representing 11 tribes
• Ramesh Kumar Hembram’s film wins community category and popular choice
• Mankap Nokwohom’s documentary secures top institutional category honors

JAMSHEDPUR – The fourth day of Samvaad 2025 concluded with the announcement of winners from the eighth national film festival on Monday.

The Samvaad gathering strengthened its commitment to tribal voices. Participants discussed indigenous knowledge systems extensively. Moreover, community leadership received significant attention throughout.

Multiple sessions began at Akhada venue Monday morning. Participants examined development through tribal perspectives carefully. Additionally, discussions covered various community aspects comprehensively.

The arts and handicrafts session focused strategically. Market relevance of products received detailed examination. Furthermore, traditional healing practices explored healthier recipes.

Cinema sessions delved into tribal identity representation. Cultural portrayal through cinematic lens gained prominence. Besides, participant engagement remained consistently high throughout.

The eighth Samudaya Ke Saath competition received overwhelming response. Filmmakers from 13 states submitted 42 entries. In addition, 11 different tribes gained representation.

Ramesh Kumar Hembram directed the winning community film. His work Puise Dare, The Money Plant secured top honors. Meanwhile, he hails from Santhal community in Odisha.

Rohit Marandi’s Oloh Me Babu won joint honors. He also represents Santhal community from Odisha. However, Manoj Kumar’s Phoolon received special jury mention.

Kumar belongs to Oraon tribe from Jharkhand. His film garnered critical appreciation significantly. On the other hand, Puise Dare won popular choice award.

Tata Steel Foundation CEO Saurav Roy addressed participants. He emphasized cinema’s role in tribal storytelling. Furthermore, he highlighted eight years of platform provision.

“Over 72 filmmakers showcased their talent,” Roy stated. Creative talent requires proper nurturing, he added. Besides, emerging filmmakers need continuous platform access.

Mankap Nokwohom won the institutional category’s top prize. His film By The Home impressed judges. Moreover, he represents Wancho tribe from Arunachal Pradesh.

Laxminarayan Devda secured second position with Mhari Topli Ma Kekda. He belongs to Korku tribe from Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, Roshni Chauhan’s film placed third.

Chauhan’s Sashakt Nari, Samarth Gram earned recognition. She represents Bhilara community from Madhya Pradesh. Meanwhile, female participation increased notably this year.

Raj Mohan Soren received special jury mention. His Black Gold impressed the jury panel. Furthermore, Srishti Marandi’s Palimpsest earned similar recognition.

Both filmmakers hail from Santhal community in Jharkhand. By The Home also won popular choice award. In addition, male-female participation remained balanced throughout.

Evening cultural performances celebrated tribal heritage vibrantly. Santhal, Mizo, Mavilan communities performed traditional dances. Besides, Gurjar and Sabar groups showcased their traditions.

Hornbill Cohort delivered captivating performances subsequently. Sikkim’s Soufiyum music band followed their act. Moreover, audiences remained spellbound throughout evening sessions.

The tribal food popup attracted continuous crowds. Local chefs prepared authentic regional dishes carefully. Additionally, visitors appreciated diverse culinary offerings extensively.

Art and handicraft outlets garnered praise again. Traditional healing stalls displayed authentic practices effectively. Furthermore, cultural depth remained evident at Gopal Maidan.

Previous Samvaad editions featured similar celebrations. Day two activities focused on identity preservation. Meanwhile, day three witnessed significant partnerships formation.

The annual gathering continues promoting tribal heritage. Tribal arts from previous events gained national recognition.