For the first time at the annual Hornbill Festival, films/ documentaries were screened during the 23rd edition. Film Fiesta: Open Air Cinema was organized by the Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) at Main Arena, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama from 2nd  to 4th December 2022.

Keeping in mind the magnitude of the Hornbill Festival and its impact on the State and its citizens, the Department of Information & Public Relations came up with the initiative to screen films to promote local talents and filmmakers while also promoting the culture of watching films which is not very common in Nagaland. Short documentaries and PSAs were also shown on the big screen to create awareness about our films among tourists, coming from various parts of the country and the world and also among our people.

The Film Fiesta was launched by the Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Abu Metha on the evening of 2nd December. The event began with the screening of Ground Zero, a documentary about sports persons from Nagaland and produced by the Nagaland Olympic Association. Throughout the three days, various short films and animations were screened along with documentaries including The Barefoot Wonder, a documentary on the legendary Naga footballer, Dr. T. Ao to promote the young talents of the State, DIPR produced a short film titled, Weightless, which featured actors and crew who participated in the series of training offered by the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII) in collaboration with DIPR. The film premiered in front of a live audience on the final day of the Open Air Cinema.

Manoj Patel from Mumbai stated that the screenings made him more connected with the local heritage and get to know the culture better. Tinuakum from Kohima said that it is a very good opportunity for the locals and a much-needed platform for the local talents.

(Wepre Kronu, APRO)