DIMAPUR, Dec 5 - Axone, a 96-minute feature film based on the experiences of North East residents in major cities of India outside the region, was screened on the first day of the two-day Glocal International Film Festival, which began as part of the ongoing Hornbill Festival in Kohima today. The film festival is being organised by the Nagaland Information and Public Relations (IPR) in association with Eastern Art Council.
Short films from around the world including Change of Plan, S-He, Midnight Error, Enemy of the State, etc., were also screened on the first day of the film festival.
Axone follows a day in the life of a group of North Easterners in Delhi through a wedding, a feast and a landlord-tenant clash. In them all, the quintessential North Easterner�s experience in the big city is depicted.
The film, written and directed by Nicholas Kharkongor, was premiered at the 63rd BFI London Film Festival in early October.
�We had full houses at the London film festival and the Indians there said it resonated with them because when they first came to London and would cook curry, it would smell and get them into trouble,� said Kharkongor while interacting with the audience.
The local viewers appreciated the movie produced by Yoodlee Films and starring noted actors Vinay Pathak, Sayani Gupta and others.
On being asked about the possibility of a sequel, Kharkongor said, �It is important that the film does well to take up the next chapter because at the end of the day, it is all about commercial success.� Care is taken so that there is no propaganda when the film is aired in cities like Mumbai and Delhi, added Kharkongor.
Attending the inaugural programme, Nagaland minister Neiba Kronu said, �Assam and Manipur have gone ahead in terms of filmmaking, but there is a beginning in evening. Lots of programmes are being held these days, but the film festival is an interesting one.�
�Through the bioscope, people are getting to know us. Movies make us sad and happy, and also inspire us. But in our context, education is the most important aspect,� said Kronu. IPR Director Limawati Ao said film production can be a lucrative and employment-generating activity in the State.
�Films can project our State and its positive aspects to the world, but most of all, tell the stories of the Nagas to the world,� he said.
Minister Temjen Imma Along, advisers Toshi Wungtung and Mmhonlumo Kikon and other dignitaries attended the programme.
