The 3rd Nagaland Film Festival, Hornbill edition, which was held at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima came to an end on 5th December 2021.

Director of Information and Public Relations Department, Er. Z. Tokishe Sema appreciated the talented members of the Film Association Nagaland (FAN) and together, with the IPR department, he hoped that they could take forward the promotion of films in Nagaland in the future. Sema acknowledged the National Film Development Cooperation and Film Facilitation Office, New Delhi and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (GOI) for co-hosting the event. He also hoped that this film festival would encourage the young budding talents in Nagaland and across the Northeast states.

The Director mentioned his sincere and heartfelt condolence message for actor, Lanuakum Ao and his family members. In solidarity with the deceased actor and thelives lost at Oting, Mon, a two minute silence was observed.

Film curator, Meenakshi Shedde from Mumbai said that there has been a tremendous effort to make this festival happen and there has been a lot of attention paid to details in making this festival successful. She said very unique stories have been told during the festival which the world needs to hear. Shedde said the film festival has been well timed to give everyone the opportunity to showcase the stories about North East to the rest of the world.

Abu Metha who was supposed to be the Special Guest for the valedictory programme could not attend the function due to the unfortunate incident that took place at Mon. His speech was read out where he hoped that the three day film festival is enriching and beneficial to all the participants. He also mentioned that film actively is still at a nascent stage in the state but the government understands the importance of films in terms of encouraging the young talents, exposing our rich traditional art and culture, beautiful landscapes which are yet to be captured through cinema and showcase the state to the outside world and making our state a tourist and film makers destination.

Special song was presented by Vito Awomi and vote of thanks was delivered by Yapangnaro, General Secretary, FAN.

(Takumpula, IA)