Acclaimed filmmaker Dr. Dev Kanya Thakur’s documentary “I Am Pabuch” has been selected for screening at the prestigious 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026. The film will have its Indian premiere on June 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Audi-2, FD-NFDC Complex, Peddar Road, Mumbai.
The documentary has been chosen for the esteemed Prism Section under the Documentary category. The Prism Section showcases outstanding, innovative, and impactful films from India and around the world, recognized for their unique storytelling and cinematic excellence.
Exploring a Rare Himalayan Knowledge Tradition
“I Am Pabuch” documents the remarkable and relatively little-known cultural heritage of the Pabuch Brahmin community residing in Khadkahan village of Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district. The film explores a centuries-old knowledge tradition that continues to thrive in remote Himalayan villages.
The documentary traces the historical roots of this tradition to ancient Kashmir, once a renowned center of learning and scholarship. Kashmir’s Sharada manuscripts were among India’s most significant repositories of knowledge, attracting scholars from across the country. Among them were Brahmins from Himachal Pradesh, who studied the Sharada script and related intellectual traditions before adapting and developing them within their own regions.
Preserving the Pavuchi Manuscript Heritage
One of the most fascinating outcomes of this intellectual journey is the Pavuchi manuscript tradition, which the Pabuch Brahmin community continues to preserve. The film highlights the community’s unique knowledge system known as “Sancha Vidya.”
“Sancha” is regarded as a concise yet profound compilation of Vedic knowledge through which Pabuch Brahmins offer guidance and solutions to people. The documentary demonstrates how this living knowledge system remains active and relevant in contemporary village life.
The film also reveals that manuscripts dating back to the 15th century have been carefully preserved by community members. Nearly every family safeguards these invaluable texts, ensuring that Pavuchi knowledge and the Sancha tradition are passed down from one generation to the next.
A Tribute to India’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Through its compelling narrative, “I Am Pabuch” underscores the importance of preserving India’s rich intellectual heritage and indigenous knowledge systems. It presents a powerful account of how traditional wisdom continues to survive and evolve in the Himalayan region.
About MIFF
Established in 1990, the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) is the oldest and largest festival for non-feature films in South Asia. Organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, MIFF is recognized globally as a premier platform for documentaries, short fiction films, and animation.
The festival brings together filmmakers, cinephiles, and industry professionals from around the world, fostering dialogue, cultural exchange, and creative collaboration.
The selection of “I Am Pabuch” in the prestigious Prism Section marks a significant achievement for Himachal Pradesh’s cultural heritage and provides a valuable opportunity to showcase a unique living knowledge tradition from the Himalayas on a national and international stage.
Screening Details
Film: I Am Pabuch
Director: Dr. Dev Kanya Thakur
Section: Prism (Documentary Category)
Festival: 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026
Date: June 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Venue: Audi-2, FD-NFDC Complex, Peddar Road, Mumbai, India