3-day Fragrances of the North East Film begins in Delhi

NEW DELLHI, AUG 22: In order to promote, facilitate and strengthen the films the North East regions, a three-day festival “Fragrances of the North-eastern films” under the aegis of  the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting kicked off here in Siri Fort Auditorium Complex on August 21st evening.

Pic: BKT

Giving an absolute northeastern experience to the visitors, the film screenings has been supplemented with cultural programmes, exhibitions of handicrafts and books, food stalls and much more.

The festival was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore (Retd.), AVSM in the gracious presence of Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister for State for Youth Affairs & Sports, and Mr Bimal Julka, Secretary, Information & Broadcasting. Some of the leading film personalities from the northeast region were also present.

Pic: BKT

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the minister said that the films from the North East always attracted attention in International Film Festivals and in academic circles for their canvas of human emotions and their reflections of society. The increase in representation of cinema at such events was definitely a healthy sign of growing culture of cinema in the region.

“I&B Ministry had undertaken special measures to promote the flow of quality information in the region through the Prasar Bharati network.  The current FM Phase III auction had earmarked 15 channels for bidding which would enable the growth of radio in the region in the private FM domain,” said Mr Rajyavardhan Rathore. 

Pic: BKT

He also highlighted the measures being taken to promote quality education in the field of journalism through the Indian Institute of Mass Communication currently at Aizawl.  He also mentioned that efforts were being made to fast track the process of establishing the Film making institute at Arunachal Pradesh.  This initiative was part of the overall vision to promote and strengthen youth talent from the North-Eastern Region. 

Minister for State for Youth Affairs & Sports Mr Sarbananda Sonowal in his address mentioned that such festivals showcased the youth talent of the region and reiterated the cinematic legacy of the region.  Secretary (I&B) Mr Bimal Julka mentioned that the initiative was part of the vision to promote cinema as medium of creative expression especially from the North East Region.

A Manipuri feature film ‘Pallepfam’ directed and produced by Mr Wanglen Khundongban, which is also his debut film, was screened in the inaugural ceremony.

Pic: BKT

The screening was preceded by three cultural shows, viz. the Hojagiri Dance troupe from Tripura, Dhol Pung Cholam Dance troupe from Manipur and The Girish and Chronicles, a hard rock band from Sikkim.

The festival also includes a retrospective of maestro Mr Aribam Syam Sharma from Manipur. Six films including two feature films Ishanou and Imagi Ningthem and four non-feature films is being in the festival.

“This festival gives an open opportunity and recognition for their [northeast] films. If these films were telecast by the Doordarshan, it will be great for all of us,” said Mr Aribam Syam Sharma, a noted film director, actor and music director from Manipur, who came in limelight with his award winning film ‘Imagi Ningthem’ (My Son, My Precious) that received the ‘Grand Prix’ at the Festival des Trios Continents, Nantes, France in 1982.

Films like Yathawat and Last Rites directed by Tribeny Rai (Sikkim), Crossing Bridges directed by Sange Dorjee Thongdok (Arunachal Pradesh), Orchids of Manipur directed by Aribam Syam Sharma, The Honey Hunter And the Maker directed by Tiainla Jamir (Nagaland), Ko;Yad directed by Manju Borah (Assam), Karyukai and Rong’ Kuchak directed by Dominic Sangma (Meghalaya), and Where the Clouds End directed by Wanphrang Diengdoh (Meghalaya) were screen on Saturday (Aug 22).

Pic: BKT

Films such as Indigenous Games of Manipur, Yelhou Jagoi and Imagi Ningthem directed by Aribam Syam Sharma (Manipur), Story of a House directed by Sesino Yhoshu & Sophy Lasuh (Nagaland), 19|87 directed by Wanphrang Diengdoh & Dondor Lyngdoh (Meghalaya), MNF: The Mizo Uprising directed by Napoleon Thanga (Mizoram), Mathia directed by Joseph Pulinthanath (Tripura), and Aisa Yeh Jahaan directed by Biswajeet Bora (Assam) will be screened on Sunday (Aug 23).

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

The Mizoram Post | Zogam Today

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