Three-day literature festival and book fair Frame & Pages: Storytelling Across Cinema & Literature” at Plaza Zone, Niathu, Chumoukedima drew a diverse crowd, including students and book enthusiasts
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
“Frame & Pages: Storytelling Across Cinema & Literature,” a three-day literature festival and book fair, concluded on Wednesday. The event, hosted by White Owl at Plaza Zone, Niathu, Chumoukedima, drew a diverse crowd, including students and book enthusiasts. The festival’s culmination program also sent a resounding message to the Nagaland government: that the state’s young minds hold immense potential, waiting to be acknowledged and nurtured.
Responding to a query raised by moderator Abu Metha on the prospects of film industry in Nagaland, German-based filmmaker Nilanjan Bhattarcharya expressed his desire to showcase the unique cultural fabric of the northeastern states, particularly highlighting the region’s distinct food habits and breathtaking landscapes
On his maiden visit to Nagaland, Nilanjan Bhattacharya was struck by the state’s breathtaking ambiance and landscape. Inspired by his experience, he urged writers, aspiring filmmakers, and documentary makers to thoroughly research the history and cultural context of a place before sharing it with the public.
In a candid revelation, German-based filmmaker Nilanjan shared that he had attempted to produce a film on Arunachal Pradesh’s food culture, but unfortunately, had to abandon the project due to funding constraints.
Thejavituo Rio, a celebrated filmmaker from Nagaland, humbly noted that despite his films being screened at esteemed Oscar and BAFTA qualifying festivals, he remains grateful for the mentorship he received from acclaimed cinematographer Manuel Alberto Claro.
Thejavituo Rio’s filmmaking journey began with his 2015 debut in Sicily. His subsequent short film, “Angh” (2020), garnered awards at Clermont-Ferrand and was showcased at Palm Springs. Additionally, his British short film “Remains” was featured at esteemed festivals like the Cambridge International Film Festival and Camerimage.
During the interactive session, moderator Abu Metha posed questions about the prospects of filmmaking and acting talent from Nagaland. Nilanjan responded by acknowledging the abundance of talented Nagas, emphasizing that they require government support to thrive.
Abu Metha further queried the resource persons about the potential of transitioning to OTT platforms, which have already gained significant viewership. He suggested that this shift could create opportunities for emerging Naga actors and actresses, particularly given the state’s unique landscapes that are increasingly attracting Bollywood producers and directors seeking fresh locations.
“It’s a very different vibe here as I said you’ve got to get up to the mountains into the villages because you know in Nagaland two things you can be sure of two things guaranteed when you look up sky will be blue not like Kolkata and Delhi and every evening is a Saturday evening”, Metha said.
He emphasized that these unique aspects, combined with the state’s distinct food culture, could be showcased and assured to visitors, making Nagaland an attractive destination.