Hyderabad to host Niri9 International Film Festival, showcasing Northeast-Telangana culture
Guwahati: The Niri9 International Film Festival is set to return for its third edition in Hyderabad on January 10–11, 2026, highlighting cultural collaboration between the Northeast region and Telangana.
The festival is organised with the support of the Governor of Telangana, the Telangana Cultural Department, and the Government of Assam.
This year, the festival received 176 film entries across multiple categories, including 40 feature films, 65 short films, 56 shorter films, and 15 documentaries.
Out of these, the top 19 films will be screened at the final round in Hyderabad, including six feature films, five short films, five shorter films, and three documentaries.
Niri9, the organiser of the festival, is an OTT platform under NIRI Media (OPC) Private Limited, Guwahati.
The platform showcases web series, films, animations, documentaries, and music to audiences worldwide.
It aims to amplify underrepresented voices, particularly from the Northeast, and provide a platform for diverse stories.
The festival will host filmmakers, artists, and dignitaries from across India.
Notable guests include Bimal Bora, Cabinet Minister, Government of Assam; musician Lou Majaw; acclaimed actor Seema Biswas; global performer Carlyta Mouhini; renowned sound designer Amrit Pritam; and several personalities from the Telugu film industry, who will serve as jury members and special invitees.
Performances will include Carlyta Mouhini, Lou Majaw, Monisha Bordoloi, and traditional folk dance and music from Assam and Telangana.
Festival Director Junmoni Devi Khaund, who was recently felicitated by the Governor of Telangana and Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy during the NE Connect Festival, said, “This event is not just a festival; it's a movement of stories, cultures, and connections. Hosting the festival in Hyderabad reflects our commitment to bringing the Northeast and Telangana closer through cinema. With the invaluable support of the Governor and the Telangana Cultural Department, we hope to create a space where filmmakers, audiences, and storytellers truly discover each other.”
The Niri9 International Film Festival 2025 promises to be a vibrant celebration of cinema, storytelling, and cultural unity, bringing together creative communities in Hyderabad.