With the aim to promote upcoming local talents and provide them a platform at the biggest film event in Nagaland, the Department of Information & Public Relations, organised a short film competition on the occasion of the Fourth Nagaland Film Festival, 2023.

The result of the competition was declared during the inaugural programme of the Fourth Nagaland Film Festival at RCEMPA, Jotsoma on 7th December 2023. Naga Cine Buzz won the competition for their entry "Crossroads of gratitude" while Esther Longkumer for "Through a child's eyes" and Team Tzuyim for "The Final Call" won the second and third position respectively. Imtisalang Ozukum won the consolation prize for "Brunt". The winning entries were given away with certificates and cash of Rs. 50,000/- to the winner, Rs. 40,000/- to the 2nd position, Rs. 30,000/- to the 3rd position and Rs. 20,000/- for the consolation prize by the Special Guest of the programme, Javier Paulinich, the Ambassador of the Republic of Peru to India. Further, the winning entries will be screened during the Film Festival.

The themes for the competition included "A Moment in Time", "Hidden Connections", "Through a Child's Eyes", "Invisible Struggles", "The Power of Words", "Parallel Realities", "The Art of Survival" and "A Glimpse of Tomorrow" where the participants made a short film based on a theme. Despite limited filming-resources and logistics in the State, many enthralling entries were received, including animations. The Department hopes to take up more film-related initiatives in the coming days for promotion of film culture in the State. 

The Fourth Nagaland Film Festival is being organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations, the nodal department for films and related matters in Nagaland, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India and Film Association of Nagaland (FAN). The two-day Festival is being organised as part of the ongoing Hornbill Festival 2023.

(Wepre Kronu, APRO)