Thursday, Oct 01, 2026 00:00 [IST]
Last Update: Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026 18:22 [IST]
GANGTOK,: Sikkim filmmaker Niyara Subba has won the Best Debut Director
award for her film Numah?ngm? at the 2nd Nepal Indigenous Film Festival (NIFF)
2026, held in London.
Produced by
Mrs H.M. Subba, Numah?ngm? was screened at the festival on September 27. The
festival recognised films across various categories, including indigenous,
narrative, feature-length, documentary and short films.
The 90-minute
feature film, which was first screened in Gangtok in 2025, is set in the hills
during the 1940s under British India. It tells the story of a resilient woman
who faced numerous challenges and struggled to secure a better future for her
daughter. The film highlights her efforts to ensure that her daughter, H.M.
Subba, became the first woman from the area to pass the matriculation
examination.
Through the
story, Numah?ngm? portrays the struggles, perseverance and determination of a
woman who went on to set an inspiring example for others.
The film had
earlier earned major recognition at the 2nd Yakthung Cine Awards International
(YCAI) 2082 in Nepal, where it won Best Film and Best Director, with Niyara
Subba receiving the Best Director award.
Subba’s
direction, particularly her sensitive portrayal of the central character,
cultural elements and distinctive cinematic presentation, has received
appreciation through these recognitions.
Speaking about
the latest honour, Subba said the award was the result of the collective
efforts of everyone associated with the film, including the actors and the
entire team working behind the scenes. She said the recognition had further
strengthened her resolve to contribute to the fields of cinema and literature.
The latest
award marks the film’s second international recognition and represents a
significant moment for Sikkim’s emerging film industry, bringing greater
visibility to filmmakers, indigenous stories and cultural narratives from the
region on international platforms, a press release informs.
