David Lalhmachhuana1 Sayan Dey, PhD2 Nicky Lalrinsanga Lotlai3 Joel Laltlanchhuaha4
1Research Scholar, 2Assistant Professor, 3Research Scholar, 4Research Scholar
Department of Mass Communication, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21659/jsae/v2n2/v2n205
[Article History: Received: 19 August 2025. Accepted: 07 October 2025. Published: 14 October 2025]
Abstract
The Mizo film industry has a unique place at the periphery of Indian regional cinemas. In contrast to Assam or Manipur, where film industries began in the early and mid-twentieth century, Mizoram’s production history only began in 1983 with the film Phuba. The late entry into film, together with Mizoram’s remote geographic location, limited resources, and inadequate infrastructure, has contributed to the slow and irregular development of a film culture. This paper examines the socio-cultural grounding of the practice and the contemporary challenges and opportunities of the Mizo film industry. Additionally, it emphasizes emergent possibilities such as grassroots creativity, digital technologies, community production, and increasing demand for narratives that resonate locally. By locating the Mizo film industry in the broader discourses of regional cinema, cultural identity, and globalization, this paper maintains that while structural barriers remain in hindering the film industry, there is considerable potential for it to be a cultural medium and catalyst for socio-economic development. This study adds to our understanding of how a small, resource-trapped film industry positions itself within the greater Indian and global film culture.
Keywords: Mizo Films, Highlanders, Regional Films, Film Studies, Mizoram
