First Nagaland film festival explores region’s visual arts

Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 11 (EMN): Film makers from across the state and north east region assembled today at Capital Convention Centre in Kohima town for the 1st Nagaland Film Festival organised by the department of Information & Public Relations in association with local drama group, Dreamz Unlimited.
The film festival was organised with the aim to provide a common platform for film makers of the State and the NE region to interact, engage and to create a network for people involved in film making.Talking about film industry, it is a visible truth that we (NE) still have a long way to go to catch up with the rest of the country, nevertheless, the film makers from the region, of late, have been making a significant progress, be it documentaries or short films.
Gracing the one-day programme as the chief guest, Parliamentary Secretary for IPR, Imtikumzuk underlined the importance of the festival as a platform which will enable film makers of the State and region to come together and share their works, concerns and also a time to build capacity amongst young filmmakers.
“I hope this festival will showcase and nurture talents of the art of cinema and promote an active culture viewing particularly amongst the youth,” the Parliamentary Secretary said maintaining that “it is vital to find ways to engage with each other and to learn from each other.”
“Cultural events such as this, which enable these direct exchanges and a direct dialogue between different ways of looking at reality, are so important,” he added.
“I also take great pride in the quality and variety of the films and documentaries produced and directed by our local film makers who are winning accolades not only in India, but also at the international platform,” he said adding that “we are making a very good beginning with the limited or no facilities in our State.”
The Parliamentary Secretary observed that Nagaland has abundant natural beauty and cultural diversity which can be an excellent location for any kind of films. He, however, regretted that the State has not been able to exploit the potentials due to insurgency problems.
“But with the changing times and the changing scenario, there is no question as to why films cannot be shot in this part of the world. We would want to welcome filmmakers to explore our beautiful land and we are open to anything feasible from our side to facilitate them,” he remarked.
He expressed hope that the film festival can be a beginning for better things to come and help to bring many inspiring films to the screen. He encouraged the film makers to explore the opportunities of global cooperation, both for the development of cultural and creative sectors and for the promotion of cultural exchange.
On the day, a feature film titled ‘Onaatah’, directed by Pradip Kurbah, a national film award winner from Meghalaya and a documentary film titled ‘Oh My Soul!’ directed by a Naga fil maker Kivini Shohe were screened along with some short films including – Story of A House, Walakro, Be A Naga, The Story Of A River, Blissful and Backward Is Forward.

Comments from filmmakers
Sesino Yhoshü (Director of Story of a House)
It’s a good initiative by Dreamz Unlimited and the IPR department to bring creative people together. There are so much of talents in NE region, and I hope this will go a long way in building a film culture in the State and the region. Through this platform, it is a privilege to meet and interact with Pradip Kurbah, director of Onaatah, who had won a national award in 2014.
Kivini Shohe (Director of Oh My Soul!)
Earlier, our people had no access to films, but nowadays, it is becoming accessible. Unlike before where film making remained exclusive, these days, youngsters are learning to adapt more on film making. Lack of funding from the government has been a setback all these years, however, I appreciate the IPR department for organising the film festival. It will be good if we revive theatres in Nagaland again.
Anungla Longkumer (Researcher & Script writer)
Film making is an important and powerful medium to reach out to the mass. There are lots of stories to tell and lots of things to convey through the films and documentaries we produce. Therefore, organising a film festival such as this provides a platform for film makers to come together to share about works and also encourage one another. Regardless of the challenges and setbacks faced by the film makers of the State, it is upon us to make it happen for ourselves.