By Imna Longchar
Kohima (Nagaland), Dec 3: As part of the 22nd Hornbill Festival 2021 edition, the much awaited 3rd Nagaland Film Festival got underway on Friday at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, with Nagaland Chief Secretary, J Alam, gracing the inaugural programme as the special guest.
In his address, Alam, said that films have the potential to play an important role as a medium of entertainment, information and education and as a catalyst for social change.
According to Alam, the films are facet of a “mass culture and art” and added that films made by Nagafilmmakers have been creating ripples or an impact not only in the national level but also in the international arena.
Stating that the film industry has the highest potential after tourism sector in providing employment opportunities to the people, Alam was also of the view that films play an important role in the lives of the people particularly in the age of communication where it is reaching every corner as a medium not only through theaters or cinema but also through the internet platform.
Maintaining that Nagaland has very talented minds, shining in Bollywood and other fields, Alam said similarly there is renewed interest for film makers turning their attentions towards the northeastern states.
Pointing out that the film industry has become very vast, Alam said that the people were creating their own stories, films and uploading the same in the social media platforms of which many have become “national celebrities” in no time.
“We are living in an exciting era where huge opportunities awaits for many, however, the only platform would be on how we facilitate it”, said Alam.
He also added that the film festival has garnered a very positive response with participation not only from Northeastern States but from the mainland India and global cinema at large and expressed optimism that the film sector in the State would grow and make a mark at the national and international levels.
President, Nagaland Film Association (FAN), Kivini Shohe, in her short speech said that film making is in a very nascent stage in Nagaland and film makers have to work in honing their skills to become better cinematographers, directors, writers, actors etc
Meanwhile, the result of the online film competition was declared during the programme where the winners were felicitated by the Chief Secretary, Nagaland.
1st prize was bagged by Tiakumzuk Pongener for “Abnoral”, who received a cash prize of Rs. 25, 000 with certificate, 2nd prize went to Cimematixx for “The Dancing Philosopher” who received a cash of Rs.15,000 and certificate while the 3rd prize saw joint winners, Kupe-ü Krome, for “The Bright Side” and ehti Thonger, for “Forever & Always”.
They both were awarded cash of Rs.10,000 and certificates each.
On the first day, Angh, An Engineered Dream, Bethlehem, and Look at the Sky, were screened. Masterclass on Film tourism was presented by Alexander Pou and workshop on Scriptwriting was conducted by Munish Bhardwaj.
The 4th edition of People’s Festival, an extension of Hornbill Festival which began oDecember 2 at Chida Resort, Khezhakeno, with Minister of Planning & Coordination and Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu, as the Chief Host would continue till December 4.
The festival is being held with various indigenous games, activities and competitions including Phe Ke- te (stilt bamboo race), Lici/kuboh muhu kaqa (bamboo horn/traditional trumpet blowing), Lu de kaqa (catapult shooting), Tholo tsu chu kaqa (sea beans), chi-so-che kuvu kaqa (Oak seed top spin), tribalhut construction competition, open air concert and others.
The “People’s Festival” commenced in the year 2018 and is being organized annually by the Khezhakeno
As part of the 22nd Hornbill festival, the first edition of the Nagaland Literature Festival 2021 began on Friday at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music and Performing Arts (RCEMPA), Jotsoma, Kohima.
Organized by the Writer’s Collective, Kohima, on the theme “Through the Looking Glass: Traversing the Past, Present, and Future”, the two days literature which ends on December 4 is about bringing writers, thinkers and activists closer to people from different backgrounds.
Speaking on the occasion as the special guest, Consul General of Germany, Kolkata, Manfred Auster, said that the element aspects of the Nagaland literature festival was inspiring and added that it could contribute varieties especially to those visitors from outside who wanted to know more about the “Past, Present, and Future” of the Naga society.
The literature fest was marked by inauguration of book corner, art exhibition stalls, book signing, panel discussions on literature and politics besides other issues.
