The Tribal Research Centre (TRC), Nagaland University, organised the Nagaland premiere screening of the documentary “A Sacred Place” on Friday, drawing faculty members, research scholars, and students in both offline and online modes.
Dr. Yamsani Srikanth, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, welcomed attendees and noted that it was the first screening of its kind hosted by the university. He also gave a brief introduction to filmmaking.
The documentary tells the story of stones, spirits, and salt springs in Makhel, which in the Mao Naga language means “A Sacred Place.” It explores intergenerational storytelling, oral traditions, and geological features to foreground Indigenous pedagogy and ecology, while asking whether sacredness can survive amid ecocide.
The 40-minute screening was followed by a discussion session featuring director and producer Prof. Dolly Kikon and discussant Dr. Rongsenzulu Jamir of the University of Hyderabad.
Dr. Jamir congratulated the team and raised questions on the film’s origins, filmmaking as scholarship, and environmental concerns. Prof. Kikon described the project as collaborative knowledge production involving anthropologists, geologists, and local communities. She urged Indigenous scholars to “return to their roots” and serve their communities.
Repakaba Tzudir delivered the vote of thanks.