Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: A 40-minute documentary about the Mithun premiered at the National Tribal Film Festival in Imphal on November 13. The film, The Way of the Mithun, played at The Palace Auditorium inside the Manipur State Film Development Society. The screening took place during Tribal Frames Manipur 2026, a four-day event running from November 12 to 15.
Arunachal Pradesh filmmaker Joram Jonah directed the piece. Jonah belongs to the Nyishi community. He explored how the Bos frontalis, commonly called the Mithun, shapes indigenous life in Northeast India. The animal represents wealth and social standing. It is central to marriage rites, community gatherings, and traditional exchange systems.
Jonah centered the documentary on Nyishi language and storytelling. He studied how indigenous groups manage livestock and local environments to preserve identity for future generations. The director has deep roots in the regional film scene. In June 2024, state officials chose him as one of four filmmakers to represent Arunachal Pradesh at the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival. He previously earned second place in the short-film category at the Arunachal Film Festival 2023 for his project, The Pen. Regarding his work, the festival organizers highlighted how the film "examines the role of the Mithun in the cultural and traditional practices of indigenous communities, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh."
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