Mokokchung hosted its inaugural Film Festival on January 24 at Mokokchung Town Hall. The event was organized by the District Administration, Mokokchung. While the festival marked a milestone for local cinema, attendance was lower than expected, and several award recipients were not present to receive their honors.
Officials from the district administration were unavailable for comment on the festival’s objectives or outcomes. Some staff involved in organizing the event noted that they were still settling into their roles and could not provide detailed information about certain aspects of the festival.
The films were judged by a panel comprising actor S Neangbah Konyak, Yangerkumla Lemtur, and Bendangmeren Ao. The award ceremony, titled Film Festival and Award Show Mokokchung 2026, recognized films and individuals across multiple categories.
• Best Director: Anok Pongen for Jeevan Ekta Kitap
• Best Actor: Lanusunep Longchar for Longrapong Sama
• Best Actress: Tulumenla for My Real Identity from Above
• Best Film: Plastic, directed by Raj Kumar
The film, according to the judges, were judged on the criteria of entertainment, social issue and environmental issue.
A total of 16 films were submitted for the festival from different parts of Nagaland.
These included Behind Closed Doors by Itoka; Parents Are a Child’s Safe Place by VFT Longleang; Plastic Far From Home by RK Production, Mon; Rich Girl Make Fun of Homeless Man by Tizit Tipu Group; The Silence Between Heartbeats and Crossroad of Gratitude by ITOKA DMP; A Thief Among Us, Boastful Friend and Gossipers by Anyao Konyak; Jeevan Ekta Kitap by Anok Pongen; My Real Identity from Above by Tulumenla; Taxation and The Gift of Life by Tizit Tipu Group; The Stepmother by Manang Naga Vlog; Disconnected While Connected by Meren; and Longrapong Sama by Y Temsu Longkumer.
An overview of the film festival was presented by actor Bendang Meren Ao, welcome address was delivered by Ajay Moktan, IAS, Assistant Commissioner of Mokokchung, Atsungba Walling, NCS, ADC, Mokokchung delivered a brief Speech.
The jury members were introduced by Nibizo Nagi, NCS, EAC (Probationer).
The program was chaired by Kewimesin Nriame, NCS, EAC (HQ) Mokokchung, while the invocation was offered by Teyalo Seb, Pastor, Tenyimia Church, Mokokchung.
A light moment was added through a segment titled “Let Us All Laugh” by Hobi Tsang, followed by a song performance by Asungla Aodang, Lipokmeren, and Easter Konyak, and a dance performance by the Mokokchung Dance Community.The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Bungkhao Konyak, NCS, EAC.
The festival was also attended by Ao Senden led by its president, Marsanen Imsong.
