DIMAPUR, Dec 4 � A documentary film titled �The Test�, directed and edited by Naga filmmaker Yirmiyan Arthur Yhome, has won the best film award at the First Red Ribbon International Film Festival held in Accra, Ghana, from November 25 to 27.
The documentary, produced by Ura Films, highlights stigma associated with HIV and poverty related struggles, particularly concerning widows, while exuding a strong expression for living and normalcy. The non-voice over film also captures the infallible nature of hope and resilience rather than be labeled as victim.
�The Test� was shot in Tuensang district of Nagaland and Ukhrul district of Manipur; Bihar and many places in South India, through a Panos South Asia Fellowship.
The first edition of the Red Ribbon International Film Festival is also the first of its kind to specifically bring creativity around the theme of HIV/AIDS.
�The Test� secured the most online votes for best film beating �Tac Taking Haart� (South Africa) and �Intersexion� (South Africa).
With a masters in Mass Communications from India�s premier MCRC, her final student film �My Lament, My Plea� (2000) won the �Best Students Film� at the New Delhi Video Forum and was also screened at the Human Rights Film Festival, Panchgani, India 2001.
She has assisted internationally renowned documentary filmmaker Amar Kanwar in �Lightning Testimonies� (2001), a narration of stories from armed conflict regions in India; still photographer for �If God Be With Us� (2002), a documentary on identity movement, directed by Shankar Borua and was assistant director, editor, scriptwriter for a travel documentary on heritage sites, produced by Government of Karnataka (2001).
