A two-day Nagaland CineFest on the theme "Celebrating stories, inspiring minds," organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relation (DIPR) got underway at The Heritage, Old DC Bungalow, in Kohima
Abu Metha speaking at the two-day Nagaland CineFest in Kohima on Friday.
KOHIMA — A two-day Nagaland CineFest on the theme "Celebrating stories, inspiring minds," organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relation (DIPR) got underway at The Heritage, Old DC Bungalow, in Kohima on Friday.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Abu Metha, chairman of IDAN, expressed that film-making is an activity that shows the best of human mind because it tells stories through music, dialogues and other ways. He stated that film makers are documenting today's stories and leaving gifts for tomorrow's generation and that the actors are tools that were being used to express human minds.
Acknowledging that much efforts and sacrifices are put in to make a film, he expressed hope that the fest would make the students learn and understand the efforts behind film-making.
To the student participants, he advised that media has allowed them to strive for their dreams and aspirations. He added that anyone who knows how to use social media in a positive way would reach their goal, while at the same time he advised them to understand the power of media and the responsibility that comes with social media.
While pointing out that Nagaland has great potential in the creative economy, he informed that the state government under the chief minister is now carrying out an extensive exercise to map the creative economy of the state.
Sharing that in the past decades, Nagas have been known for all the wrong reasons: be it violence, insurgency, instabilities, social turmoil, He, however, said that there is a change of narrative that is happening in Nagaland now. He pointed out that young Nagas are becoming braver, more courageous and ready to take on the world.
Even as the real and genuine peace is yet to come, he stated that the journey to that dream, journey to that aspiration and realisation of the Naga people's aspiration must be told in a different way to the creative minds and the genius of the Naga youth.
“Be it through poetry, literature, films, documentary, songs and dance, our story must be told to the creative and innovative minds of our people, then our struggle will be better appreciated,” Metha said.
Films that would be screened during the two-day event would include "Eleison" (Have mercy) directed by Raymond Colney from Mizoram, "Chanchisoa" (Expectation) directed by Elvachisa Sangma from Meghalaya, "Paper Airplanes" directed by Moses Marks from Singapore, "The uniting women" directed by Maibam Amarjeet Singh from Manipur, "Andro Dreams" directed by Meena Longjam from Manipur and "Young" directed by Tiakumzuk Aier from Nagaland.
Masterclass on various topics were conducted given by Moses Marks, Bendang Walking, Dominic Sangma.
On the first day, the participants had conversation with Bendang Walking, LC Sekhose, Khrievilie Suohumvü, Kikru Neikha and Mr Smile.
The festival would conclude on March 1, wherein L Imkong Imchen, advisor of Information and Public Relation (IPR), would be the special guest of the valedictory programme.