Manipur: Nagaland Folklore Takes Centre Stage at Tribal Film Festival 2026 with ‘Kashopapu’
Imphal, November 15, 2026: The rich cultural heritage and indigenous storytelling traditions of Nagaland’s Sumi Naga community came into focus at the Tribal Frames 2026 National Tribal Film Festival in Imphal with the screening of Kashopapu, a 20-minute fiction film rooted in traditional folklore.
Directed by independent filmmaker Vito Sumi, the film highlights ancestral wisdom, environmental conservation, community justice and the importance of maintaining harmony with nature through an engaging story inspired by the oral traditions of the Sumi Naga community.
The story revolves around a young man named Kasho, who follows his father’s advice to wait for the call of a sacred bird before beginning agricultural activities. While other villagers start cultivating their fields early, Kasho patiently follows the traditional knowledge passed down through generations. His faith in ancestral wisdom eventually brings him an abundant harvest and prosperity to the village.
However, the narrative takes another turn when greedy neighbours attempt to take possession of his land years later. Once again, the sacred bird plays a significant role in helping restore Kasho’s rightful ownership.
Through its storyline, Kashopapu explores themes of greed, fairness, patience and environmental responsibility while emphasising the importance of indigenous knowledge in preserving cultural identity and traditional values.
The screening at Tribal Frames 2026 introduced audiences in Imphal to the distinctive storytelling traditions of the Sumi Naga community. The festival also highlighted the importance of tribal cinema in preserving indigenous narratives and bringing the cultural heritage of different communities to a wider national audience.
Vito Sumi holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and is the co-founder of R&N Studios. His filmmaking experience covers directing, writing, editing and producing, with a particular interest in documenting everyday Naga life through cinematic realism.
His earlier documentary, Sound From The Hollow Bamboo (2022), received funding from the Films Division. The documentary won the Best Director award at the North East Film Festival in Mumbai and also received a Special Jury Mention at the Samvaad Tribal Conclave.
The screening of Kashopapu at the national festival underscores the role of cinema in safeguarding indigenous folklore, celebrating cultural diversity and passing traditional knowledge to future generations.
