Satinder Kumar Bhalla and his wife along with others during the release of the Nagaland Cinefest Book, held at the Bamboo Hall, Kisama, Kohima on December 6. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, December 6 (MExN): The Secretary of North Eastern Council (NEC) Government of India, Satinder Kumar Bhalla on Saturday inaugurated the Nagaland CineFest with the theme ‘Celebrating Stories, Inspiring Minds’ at the Bamboo Hall, Kisama, Kohima on December 6.
Organised by the Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the Cinefest will continue till December 8.
Expressing that he was honoured to be part of the event, Bhalla congratulated the Department, film makers and other partners for organising the film festival, while encouraging the filmmakers in the creative endeavor to be mindful of excessive portrayal of violence and terrorism.
Bhalla expressed that ‘life is a drama’ and human being is blessed to feel and express his emotions, and he argued that this was where the role of cinema becomes vital. He maintained Cinema is the platform where one can express in all aspects of life, offering shared experiences joy, sorrow and express our emotions.
He considers cinema to be something very integral to the existence of human being where every expression, every movement, ever feeling can be expressed through it and make us all to be a part of the journey.
He applauded the people working behind the scenes for their contribution in making productive films and movies. He said that cinema is not only for entertainment rather it can do wonders for today’s youths, it has also become a major tool of learning for the new generation in the education sector, stressing that Cinema can highlight issues and spark conversations and spread collective awareness.
He also cautioned on the power of using social media and urged the producers and the directors to be very responsible while producing films, ensuring that films are made fulfilling the concept of a responsible cinema, as it can be interpreted in the wrong way.
He also urged the gathering to celebrate the spirit of cinema and strive to learn from what we watch so that the whole humanity can move forward and share the joy and sorrow as brothers and sisters and as connected human beings. He was accompanied by his lady wife, and Development Commissioner Nagaland, Temsunaro Jamir IAS.
Earlier in the programme welcome note was delivered by Additional Secretary, IPR, Kusa Fithu while Ale Thele presented a song ‘Home to you’. The formal inaugural event was followed by screening of two short films by upcoming and promising young filmmakers ‘The Last Catch’ directed by Lima Sanglir and ‘Feeling from the past’ by Jepito H Zhimomi.
