Jamshedpur, July 29: Santhali films will soon find a national audience, thanks to a first-of-its-kind initiative by All India Santhali Film Association.

The association will select films that have won laurels at different platforms in Jharkhand to be screened at theatres and auditoriums across Mumbai, Guwahati and Bhubaneswar. A decision to this effect was taken by senior members of the outfit at a meeting held in the city yesterday evening.

Film association president Ramesh Hansdah told The Telegraph that four films would be selected for national release, including one in another dialect. “The association plans to select three Santhali and a regional language film — in either Kortha, Kurukh or Nagpuri — for screening in different cities. A panel will pick from among films that received awards in the Santhali film awards,” he said.

The aim behind this is to showcase the rich tribal culture, but through a popular medium. Through films, members of the outfit said they would highlight the surprising fact that tribals were poor despite living in a mineral-rich state.

“We’ll select films in August and screen them between October and December. We may also take few actors to interact with the audience,” Hasdah added. Favourite picks are Bir Manani and Amar Tangi Nind Tangi. Stars such as Dasrath Hansda, Surendra Tuddu and Pintu Soren are favourites among tribals.

How worried are they about the critical reception? “We are not afraid of constructive criticism. In fact, in Mumbai, with has one of the biggest film industries in the world, we want people to critically review our work. We want the values in tribal films to win hearts,” said Hansdah.