Aizawl, Feb 18, 2026: The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (I&PR), Government of Mizoram, has commenced the judging process for the Mizoram Short Films Competition 2026, marking another important step in the growth of the state’s emerging film industry. The evaluation process began on Wednesday at the I&PR Mini Theatre located at Lianchhiari Run, Aizawl, with a panel of five appointed judges reviewing entries submitted by filmmakers from across the state.
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| Judges of Mizoram Short Films Competition 2026 pose at I&PR Mini Theatre, Aizawl, as evaluation of 41 entries begins. |
This year’s competition has attracted 41 short film entries, the highest number ever recorded in the history of Mizo short film competitions. The record participation reflects the growing enthusiasm among filmmakers, storytellers, and creative artists in Mizoram and highlights the increasing popularity of short films as a medium of artistic expression and cultural storytelling.
Officials from the Directorate stated that the unprecedented number of entries demonstrates the rapid development of the local film movement and the emergence of a new generation of filmmakers eager to showcase their talent. The submitted films cover a wide range of themes, including social issues, culture, tradition, youth concerns, and contemporary life in Mizoram.
The panel of judges will assess the entries based on various criteria, including storytelling, originality, technical quality, direction, cinematography, acting, editing, and overall impact. Following the evaluation process, winners will be announced and prizes distributed during a special ceremony scheduled for February 24, 2026.
In addition to the competition, the Directorate has planned several initiatives to further promote Mizo cinema. As part of the Chapchar Kut 2026 celebrations, a Mizo Film Show will be organised on March 12 and 13 at the I&PR Mini Theatre. The programme will feature selected short films from the competition alongside popular Mizo feature films, providing audiences with an opportunity to appreciate local filmmaking talent.
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Meanwhile, preparations are also underway for the inaugural Lemchan–Mizoram Film Festival 2026, which is scheduled to be held from March 16 to 18. The festival is expected to become a major platform for showcasing Mizo cinema and encouraging collaboration within the film community.
To oversee the event, a Festival Organising Committee has been constituted under the leadership of IPRP&S Secretary Pi Betsy Zothanpari Sailo. The committee held its first meeting recently under the chairmanship of Festival Director Pi K. Vanlalsangi, who also serves as Director of I&PR, to discuss the festival’s structure, programming, and implementation.
Officials expressed confidence that both the short film competition and the upcoming film festival will significantly contribute to the development of Mizoram’s creative industry, while providing filmmakers with greater opportunities to showcase their work and connect with wider audiences.
