DIMAPUR — The Film Club of The Highland Institute will host its monthly event on August 26 from 3 pm onwards at The Highland Institute Ethnographic Film Club.
An update from the institute issued on Aug. 24 informed that the event launched on February 24, 2023, is held during the last week of every month.
The institute, established in the year 2013 with the sole purpose of mentoring young scholars from rural and urban localities across highland Asia, is located at Meluri Road in Kohima.
This week’s films have been produced by Reciprocity Project, a US-based film production house that works alongside Indigenous storytellers and communities worldwide. The films include: Weckuwapok, featuring Waponahkik who greets the sun, embraces new day and releases past harm; Ma’s House, about an artist fulfilling his grandmother's dying wish, and Pili Ka Mo’o, about Hawaiian taro farmers preserving tradition amid development, the update informed.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Since its launching, the club has hosted films from indigenous cultures worldwide as well as those made by filmmakers from Nagaland and other parts of India. Previous offerings include Honey Hunters of My Village directed by Thangsoi Khiamniungan; Just Like our Grandmothers, directed by Chentel Lam, and We Don't Need a Map, directed by Australian filmmaker Warwick Thornton.
Aviholi Chishi, Film Club Co-ordinator at The Highland Institute, in the update, explained the vision behind the venture: “Our aim is to foster critical thinking and address themes of trauma, stereotypes, environmental stewardship, and preserving our traditions and cultures. Whenever possible, we have the film’s director available online or in-person to discuss the film and answer questions.”
While the Club has a serious purpose, it also provides the audience with fun and relaxation. Akumtong Imchen, who assists Aviholi in the update said, “As well as watching the films and enjoying drinks and popcorn, the attendees have the chance to play fun games and interact with Highland Institute staff.”
The film club attracts college students from educational establishments in and around Kohima Village, where the institute is located.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Dr. Ketoukhrie, from Kohima College, who often brings her students to the club said: "The Highland Institute Film Club is a wonderful exposure to different genres of films revolving around contemporary critical issues such as indigenous knowledge, livelihood, food security and so on. Besides imparting knowledge, it provides a perfect ambience to relax and socialize with filmmakers, interns and participants from schools and colleges. If you are looking for a place to de-stress yourself after a hectic week, Highland Film Club is the right place with great films, warm people with warmer coffee and popping popcorn."
The Institute is said to be working collaboratively in addressing critical health, environmental, cultural, linguistic, development and policy challenges affecting communities in general. Since it was founded, the Institute has nurtured up to 100 young scholars, preparing them for academic careers in prestigious universities.
Registration is said to be free for the upcoming event.