KOHIMA: Nagaland CineFest 2025 commenced on Friday at The Heritage in Kohima, highlighting a range of films from local and national talents.
Adviser to the Nagaland chief minister and chairman of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland, Abu Metha, inaugurated the festival, which is organised by the Information and Public Relations Department in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation of India. The festival is themed “Celebrating Stories, Inspiring Minds.”
Speaking at the event, Metha said filmmaking is a profession that represents the best of the human mind, adding that filmmakers document present stories and past experiences as gifts for future generations. He also emphasised the importance of portraying the stories and aspirations of the Naga people through films, documentaries, songs, and dances.
The opening day had masterclasses like ‘The Evolution of Film Editing: Cinema to Digital Age’ by Moses Mark from Singapore, which explored editing techniques over the years, and ‘Nagaland, New Horizons’ by Bendang Walling.
A CineConnect session was also held, featuring conversations with Bendang Walling, LC Sekhose, Khrievilie Suohumvü, Kikru Neikha, and Mr Smile. Films like Eleison (Have Mercy) by Raymond Colney from Mizoram, Chanchisoa (Expectation) by Elvachisa Sangma from Meghalaya, and Paper Airplanes by Moses Marks from Singapore were screened on the first day.
Joint Secretary of the Information and Public Relations Department, Kusa Fithu, hoped the festival would entertain and encourage new filmmakers, actors, producers, and film lovers to share their work and discuss the art of filmmaking.