At first glance, the opening of XLINA Studios in Dimapur is about a new creative space. But conversations with photographers, filmmakers and the studio’s founder point to a bigger issue. While Nagaland has creative talent, many believe the infrastructure and support system needed for the industry to grow are still missing.
Founded by Angelina Pongener, XLINA brings photography, fashion, art and coworking spaces under one roof. For Pongener, the idea came from her own experience of working in the creative field.
“There were not a lot of creative spaces in Nagaland. As someone who was into fashion, I did not have a space to go and shoot,” she said.
Pongener said her experience in Mumbai showed her how much professional studios and collaborative spaces can make a difference. Back home, she said, creatives continue to face challenges, not just because of the lack of studio space but also because opportunities to collaborate are limited.
“Some people end up not pushing themselves outside of the box, and that’s where XLINA would love to help in whatever small ways we can,” she said.
She said the studio was started at a time when more young Nagas are taking up photography, filmmaking, fashion, design and content creation.
“Creatives are booming in Nagaland,” she said.
According to Pongener, XLINA was an attempt to have a space where photographers, designers, stylists, make-up artists, filmmakers and other creatives could work together.
“Let us take an example. I want to be a creative director and I may be able to do everything myself, but the fun is working with a make-up artist, a stylist and many others. It is the fun you get by working with people,” she said.
Designed as a multidisciplinary creative space, XLINA brings together dedicated areas for photography, fashion, art and coworking under one roof. The facility includes a professional photography and video studio, a fashion and styling space, a workspace for artists and makers, and a coworking area for freelancers, entrepreneurs and creative professionals.
The studio has introduced three membership categories – Signature, Creator and Founding Member, which offer complimentary studio hours and other benefits. Pongener said the idea is to encourage creatives to use the space regularly and build a community through portfolio reviews, community nights and networking sessions.
She said XLINA also hopes to work with students, freelancers and young creatives by helping them build portfolios and pitch their work to magazines and brands.
Pongener believes the creative industry can also become an important source of employment in the state.
“We already have freelancers, influencers and creators earning through their work,” she said. “For many, this can become financial freedom.”
Asked what impact she hopes XLINA will have, Pongener said, “I hope XLINA helps people say, ‘I did that because XLINA inspired me.’”
Meanwhile, photographers and filmmakers interviewed by MT also shared the larger issues facing the industry.
Sanen Kichu, proprietor of San Studio, described XLINA as one of the first facilities in Nagaland that could genuinely be called a professional studio. “Most of the studios we have now are home-based,” he said.
According to Kichu, the lack of infrastructure has long limited the kind of productions that can be carried out in the state. He recalled a recent shoot in Bengaluru that required a wall nearly 40 feet high and about 100 feet wide, something he said would be difficult to find in Nagaland.
“Our people have a lot of creative talent but lack infrastructure,” he said, explaining why most of their Music Videos or documentaries are mostly shot outdoors and in cafes and restaurants.
Kichu said the problem does not end with studio space. Nagaland, he said, also lacks a rental market for professional cameras, lenses, lighting and other production equipment.
“In other places, we can rent cameras and other equipment. Here we have to buy everything ourselves. It is a huge challenge,” he said.
The lack of equipment, he added, affects not only established photographers and filmmakers but also content creators who land brand collaborations without having access to professional gear.
“Our content creators get a lot of brand deals but they don’t have the cameras, so they end up calling filmmakers or hiring someone,” he said.
Kichu believes equipment rental itself has the potential to become a major business.
“Rental market is also a big market.”
He also explained how even for the shooting of The Family Man, the crew brought about 20-plus trucks of camera equipment from Mumbai and elsewhere for shooting as Nagaland did not have the equipments.
He also believes Nagaland can attract larger commercial productions if better infrastructure is developed.
“Lots of brands want to make content with Nagas. We have car companies wanting to do huge photoshoots, but infrastructure might serve as the hurdle. Those photoshoots can be worth Rs 40 to 50 lakh, and the photographer could earn at least Rs 4 to 5 lakh.”
According to Kichu, a stronger production ecosystem would create jobs beyond photographers and filmmakers.
“Studios have different departments – make-up, lights, drivers, kitchen and someone walking along with you. In a way, that generates employment. We have not tapped on it yet. But it has huge potential.”
Summing up his assessment of the industry, he said, “Creative industry has huge potential. I think our people are using only about 20 per cent of it.”
For videographer Letminthang, who earlier ran Trivisuals Studio, infrastructure is only one side of the issue.
He said many young people enter creative fields because of passion but often lack the knowledge to turn their skills into sustainable businesses.
“We don’t lack creativity,” he said. “We lack the business side.”
Photographer Pokyim Ozukum said the challenges have also shaped the way photographers in Nagaland work.
He said the lack of formal studio infrastructure and specialised equipment has forced many photographers to become resourceful, rely on natural light and make the best use of the state’s landscapes.
Rather than limiting creativity, he believes these challenges have helped photographers develop a style that is both authentic and adaptable.
The interviews pointed to one common concern. Those working in the creative sector said Nagaland does not lack talent. What is still needed is the ecosystem, from professional studios and equipment rental to collaboration, mentorship and business support, that can help the industry realise its full potential.
For many of them, the opening of XLINA is one step in that direction, but only one part of a much bigger journey.