KOHIMA, Mar 1: The Nagaland CineFest 2025 kicked off on February 28 at Heritage, Kohima, with the theme “Celebrating Stories, Inspiring Minds.” The two-day festival, organized by the Department of Information & Public Relations in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation of India, highlights the importance of the creative economy, aiming to promote local talent and foster industry growth.
Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland, addressed the audience as a special guest, emphasizing the transformative power of filmmaking. “Filmmaking documents today’s stories, yesterday’s experiences, and leaves behind gifts for future generations,” Metha said. He also pointed out how social media, OTT platforms, and digitalization have democratized the film industry, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Metha revealed that the state government is mapping Nagaland’s creative economy, which encompasses cinema, sports, music, and entertainment. He further announced plans for expanded film-related events during the Hornbill Festival and partnerships with ministries, foreign embassies, and industry professionals. “Nagaland has been known for all the wrong reasons in past decades—violence, insurgency, instability. Our stories must be told through a different narrative, through the creative minds of our people, so the global community will better understand us,” Metha added.
The festival’s opening day featured masterclasses, including one on film editing by Moses Mark from Singapore and another on “Nagaland, New Horizons” by Bendang Walling. CineConnect hosted engaging conversations with local filmmakers, and the screenings included films from Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Singapore. Kusa Fithu, Joint Secretary of Information & Public Relations, underscored the role of films, stating that they “go beyond entertainment to educate and enlighten,” serving as bridges to connect people across cultures.
Films such as Eleison (Have Mercy), directed by Raymond Colney from Mizoram, Chanchisoa (Expectation), directed by Elvachisa Sangma from Meghalaya, and Paper Airplanes, directed by Moses Marks from Singapore, were screened on the first day of the festival.
The Nagaland CineFest continues through March 1, showcasing films that highlight both local and national talent, contributing to the region’s growing cultural and creative economy.
