Winners of the HIPFEST 2025 at the valedictory programme. (DIPR Photo)
Kisama, December 8 (MExN): The three-day Nagaland CineFest 2025 culminated here on Monday with a call to harness storytelling and cinema to project the state's narratives to the world.
The valedictory session was graced by Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha, as the special guest, stated a DIPR report.
In his address, Metha commended the Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) for organising the festival, stating it had emerged as “one of the most vibrant departments” by creating opportunities for creativity and innovation.
He emphasised the power of non-violent expression, stating, “We must make stories from Nagaland known to the world and express our aspirations, our cry for honour and respect, our call for genuine peace and a lasting solution through stories, books, films and contents.”
Metha urged creative artists across platforms to tell Nagaland's stories and showcase its way of life. He highlighted the potential of social media and modern technology, encouraging innovators to use these tools to further their creative journeys.
Looking ahead, Metha called upon organisers to elevate the Nagaland CineFest into a national and global event in the coming years. He expressed optimism about the state's growing creative economy, noting it is “one of the best in the Northeast” and hoped this festival marked the beginning of a fruitful journey for local filmmakers.
Earlier, Director of IPR, Dzüvinuo Theünuo, in her welcome address, said it was an honour for the department to host the event. She acknowledged the support of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) under the Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and the encouragement from the Nagaland government.
Theünuo stated that the CineFest was conceived as a platform to promote cinematic talent, encourage local storytellers, and foster appreciation for cinema as a medium of art, education, and social reflection.
The final day's proceedings included a masterclass on Film Appreciation by writer-director Niyaz Mujawar and a session on smartphone filmmaking conducted by filmmaker Adarsh Jain. The afternoon featured a screening of the film “The Missing Tourist”, produced by Dreamz Unlimited and DIPR.
A Special Jury Award was presented to Kivini Shohe in recognition of her contribution and dedication to films.
The results of the HIPFEST 2025 photography competition, under the theme 'Seasons of Nagaland', were also announced. With 97 photographers participating and 264 entries displayed, Pelevizo Meyase, Tshetsholo Naro, and Asakho Chase won the first, second, and third prizes, respectively.
In category awards, Avimanyu Banerjee won Best Portrait, Moasunep Pongen won Best Landscape, and Atam Wangsa won Best Wildlife.
