A three-day tribal film festival showcasing Mizoram’s indigenous culture, traditions and local filmmaking talent began in Aizawl on Wednesday, November 4, with state Art and Culture Minister C Lalsawivunga inaugurating the event.
The festival, being held from November 4 to 6, aims to promote the cultural heritage of the Mizo community while providing a platform for local filmmakers to present their creative work. It is organised under an initiative of the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with the Mizoram government’s Art and Culture Department and the Information, Public Relations, Printing and Stationery Department.
Film screenings and other activities are being conducted at two venues, Vanapa Hall and Lianchhiari Run Mini Theatre, during the three-day programme.
Addressing the inaugural function, Minister Lalsawivunga said the festival would provide an important platform to showcase Mizo culture and heritage. He highlighted the role of cinema and filmmakers in preserving the identity, traditions and history of indigenous communities.
The minister also appreciated the contribution of local filmmakers towards the growth of Mizoram’s film industry. He encouraged people, particularly the younger generation, to explore their cultural roots and use cinema as a medium to understand and appreciate the state’s rich cultural legacy.
The inaugural programme also featured the distribution of prizes to winners of reel-making and short-film-making competitions organised as part of the festival.
In the short-film category, ‘Sadawt’ secured the first prize of Rs 2 lakh, along with a memento and citation. ‘Pasaltha Sangliana’ won the second prize of Rs 1.5 lakh, while ‘Ngotekherh’ finished third with a cash award of Rs 1 lakh.
Seven other films were also recognised with consolation prizes of Rs 50,000 each.
In the reel-making competition, ‘Maurawkela’ won the first prize of Rs 30,000. ‘Mizo Lalte Rorelna’ secured the second position with Rs 20,000, while ‘Hmanlai Hian’ received the third prize of Rs 10,000.
