SIFF 2026 Concludes with Inspiring Valedictory Ceremony, Sets Vision for Future Growth
Gangtok, March 22 (IPR): The Sikkim International Film Festival (SIFF) 2026 concluded on a high note this evening with a grand valedictory ceremony held after the final screenings at the festival venue.
The closing proceedings commenced following the screening of Tara: The Lost Star and Dhokbu: The Keeper, which marked the final films of the festival.
Chairman, Sikkim Music, Drama, Dance and Film Board, Mr Tashi Tshering Bhutia, in his address, described the hosting of an international film festival in Sikkim for the first time as a matter of immense pride for the state.
He lauded the Information and Public Relations Department, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang who is also the Minister Incharge of the department, for its dedicated efforts, adding that despite being a relatively small department, it had demonstrated exemplary coordination and management.
He highlighted the festival as a significant platform for local filmmakers and expressed special gratitude to Dr Manoj Rai, Chief Coordinator of the event.
He further informed that correspondence had already begun regarding the certification for Nepali language films in Sikkim and stressed the need for a single-window system to facilitate filmmaking activities.
He expressed confidence that the festival would grow in scale in the coming years and proposed the idea of organising a separate platform exclusively for local filmmakers with awards at a smaller scale.
Chairman, Information and Public Relations Department, Mr Ashit Rai, expressed a profound sense of achievement, stating that the festival served as a confluence of creative minds over the past four days. He extended gratitude to the Chief Minister of Sikkim for his continued faith in the department and for his vision of a Viksit Sikkim.
He noted that the introduction of a red carpet at the festival marked a new beginning and expressed hope that it would become a defining feature in the years ahead.
He also thanked the Department, fellow Chairpersons, filmmakers, and the media fraternity, adding that it was now time to move forward by building on the lessons learned to strengthen the creative economy.
Press Secretary to the HCM, Mr Yougan Tamang, described the festival as the beginning of a new era for cinema in the state. He conveyed gratitude to the Chief Minister on behalf of all stakeholders and emphasised the need to move forward with tangible outcomes.
He acknowledged the vital support of the Sikkim film fraternity, stating that the festival would not have been possible without their contribution.
He remarked that SIFF was not just a festival but an emotion, and highlighted the role of the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) model in the state in promoting the “orange economy.” He also extended thanks to the staff of the venue, cultural performers, and all associated stakeholders.
Secretary, Information and Public Relations Department, Ms Annapurna Alley, also the Festival Director, expressed gratitude to all those involved in the successful conduct of the festival, including moderators, liaison officers, self-help groups, various departments, and service providers.
She stated that the successful execution of the festival had demonstrated the state’s capability to host such events and expressed optimism about positioning Sikkim as a hub for film certification and related activities in the future.
CEO and Founder of NR Group, Mr Nitesh Rohit, remarked that organising a film festival is a challenging endeavour and described the successful hosting of SIFF in Sikkim as the beginning of a strong foundation.
He expressed confidence that with continued support from the state and central governments, the cinematic landscape of the region could witness significant transformation.
Representing the film fraternity, Mr Pavi R Shakya extended congratulations to the organisers and fellow members of the film fraternity. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister of the state and stated that this was the first time the film fraternity had been meaningfully engaged on such a platform.
He described the festival as a testament to the long-standing efforts and struggles of local filmmakers, marking a significant milestone for the community.
During the ceremony, felicitations were extended to various departments, institutions, and stakeholders in recognition of their contributions to the successful conduct of the festival.
These included supporting government departments, cultural organisations, members of the film fraternity, partner institutions, content creators, sponsors and volunteers whose collective efforts ensured the smooth and seamless conduct of the event.
The festival was formally declared closed by the Chairman of the Film Board.
SIFF 2026, held over four days, brought together filmmakers, artists, and cinema enthusiasts from across the country and beyond, providing a vibrant platform for cinematic expression, cultural exchange, and meaningful dialogue on the future of filmmaking in the region.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK