The Nomad Film Festival provides a platform for the voices and stories of marginalized and Indigenous communities from India and beyond, and in particular, for members of Denotified Tribes–groups that were listed as ‘criminal by birth’ under the colonial Criminal Tribes Act,1871 and who continue to struggle with the stigma of criminality.The focus is on films by first-time filmmakers from our communities, especially those using community-led methodologies, in addition to films by more established film makers.

The festival addresses the invisibility of, and the harmful stereotypes about these groups that reinforce the stigmas of criminalisation in mainstream films. The objective is to create a space for indigenous voice and artistic expression in our own terms. Through screenings, workshops, and conversations with filmmakers and community members, the festival creates a space for artistic expression, dialogue, and reflection on pressing social and cultural issues faced by these communities.