Secretary, North Eastern Council (NEC) Government of India, Satinder Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the Nagaland CineFest at the Bamboo Hall, Kisama, Kohima on 6th December 2025 which will continue till the 8th December 2025. The CineFest is being organized by the Department of Information & Public Relations in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting with the theme ‘Celebrating Stories, Inspiring Minds’.
Expressing that he was honoured to be part of the event, Bhalla congratulated the Department, film makers and other partners for organizing the film festival. He lauded the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, under whose proactive initiatives, the state’s young talents are being nurtured and boosted up. He said this was evident in the CineFest being held during the Hornbill festival and it speaks volumes of the dedication of the Government of Nagaland towards cinema, where the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland, the Northeast and also other parts of the country will be shared and showcased.
While encouraging the filmmakers in the creative endeavor, Bhalla reminded them 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 that is where the role of cinema becomes vital. Cinema is the platform where one can express in all aspects of life, it offers shared experiences joy, sorrow and express our emotions, it allows to tell their own stories and depict the imaginations and identity in a global platform. 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 responsible cinema, as it can be interpreted in the wrong way.
He also urged 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.
(Siizo Kikhi, IA)
