Nagaland CineFest 2025 kicks off in Kohima

Kohima | 28 February (MTNews): Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha, stated that the dynamics of the Indian film industry have undergone a complete transformation. Speaking at the inaugural event of the Nagaland CineFest 2025 at The Heritage, Kohima, on February 28, 2025, Metha emphasized how social media, OTT platforms, and global digitalization have democratized the industry. “The power of digital media now allows filmmakers and content creators to reach every corner of the globe within seconds, enabling people to pursue their dreams and aspirations,” he said.

Metha urged the audience to harness social media positively for self-empowerment while remaining mindful of its responsibilities. The two-day Nagaland CineFest 2025 is organized by the Department of Information & Public Relations in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) under the theme, ”Celebrating Stories, Inspiring Minds.”

Mapping Nagaland’s creative economy
Metha assured that the State Government is actively mapping the creative economy of Nagaland to prevent talent drain and provide gainful careers for young people within the state. He highlighted that festivals like CineFest Nagaland, along with films, cinema, sports, music, dance, and entertainment, are integral to this creative economy.

Looking ahead, he announced plans for more and larger film-related festivals during the Hornbill Festival. The State Government will collaborate closely with the Department of Information & Public Relations and engage with Ministries, foreign embassies, and real stakeholders of the film industry—including filmmakers and actors—to shape and guide future initiatives.

Changing the narrative of Nagaland
Reflecting on the past, Metha acknowledged that Nagaland had often been associated with violence, insurgency, and social turmoil. He stressed the need to shift this narrative through storytelling. “Our journey to our dreams and aspirations must be told through a different lens—through the creative and innovative minds of our people,” Metha said. He urged young storytellers to express Nagaland’s struggles and dreams through films, documentaries, music, and dance to foster better global understanding and appreciation of the Naga story.

Extending Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s greetings to the Department of Information & Public Relations, filmmakers, participants, and all involved in the Nagaland CineFest 2025, Metha expressed hope for continued partnerships and collaborations that would benefit the people of the region.

A platform for filmmakers and artists
Highlighting the significance of filmmaking as a profession, Metha noted, “Filmmakers document today’s stories, yesterday’s experiences, and leave behind gifts for future generations. Actors are the tools that express the human mind.”

Joint Secretary of Information & Public Relations, Kusa Fithu, also spoke on the power of films to educate, enlighten, and connect people worldwide. She emphasized that festivals like the Nagaland CineFest not only celebrate diversity but also serve as a platform for networking and collaboration. Fithu expressed hope that the festival would inspire and educate emerging filmmakers, actors, producers, and film enthusiasts.

Day one highlights
The opening day of Nagaland CineFest 2025 featured insightful masterclasses, including ”The Evolution of Film Editing: Cinema to Digital Age” by Moses Mark from Singapore and ”Nagaland, New Horizons” by Bendang Walling. The CineConnect session brought together industry professionals such as Bendang Walling, LC Sekhose, Khrievilie Suohumvü, Kikru Neikha, and Mr. Smile for engaging discussions.

The festival also screened films like Eleison (Have Mercy) by Raymond Colney (Mizoram), Chanchisoa (Expectation) by Elvachisa Sangma (Meghalaya), and Paper Airplanes by Moses Marks (Singapore), showcasing the rich tapestry of local and national talent.

Running until March 1, 2025, Nagaland CineFest 2025 aims to celebrate the art of filmmaking, inspire minds, and create lasting connections within the creative community.

MT