President, Nagaland Film Association (FAN), Kivini Shohe 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.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
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 Naga filmmakers 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.
Alam further said that as the nodal department for films in the State, the IPR Department was working towards framing the “Nagaland Film Policy” in a very simple and friendly manner which would facilitate local artists as well as filmmakers coming to Nagaland.
He hoped that the young talents of the State would utilize the platform provided during the event and use the inputs from the experts.
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 and extended gratitude to the department of IPR for their support.
Earlier, Additional Secretary, IPR, Asangla Imti, welcomed the gathering while a special number was presented by Pelenuo Yhome.
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.
It may be mentioned that the Nagaland Film Festival is being organized by the Department of Information & Public Relations in collaboration with the Film Association of Nagaland (FAN) and National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and would continue till December 5.