Rono Hills, Mar 20: The second edition of the Borderland Narratives Film Festival was launched at Rajiv Gandhi University on Thursday, organised by the Mass Communication department, the Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies, CCRD, and RIWATCH.
Supported by the state government, the festival aims to highlight Northeast India's unique cultural narratives and foster dialogue among filmmakers and enthusiasts.
The inaugural day featured film screenings, a workshop, and an opening session.
RGU in-charge vice-chancellor Prof Jayadeva Sahoo in his inaugural address, urged filmmakers to continue producing meaningful films that represent the region positively.
Registrar Dr N T Rikam congratulated the organisers and suggested making the festival an annual event to promote the rich cultural heritage of the state and Northeast while emphasizing its role in educating young minds and preserving traditions.
Festival Director Moji Riba, assistant professor in the Mass Communication department, shared that the festival was created to provide a platform for alternative stories from Northeast India, supported by Chief Minister Pema Khandu's government.
The pre-opening session, moderated by Dr Sunil Koijam, included the facilitation of key attendees and screenings of student films from Mass Communication institutes across the Northeast.
The screenings showcased a diverse selection of films, including "Exalt" by Sunalna Sonowal, "Labour of Love" by SESJ Lyngdob, "Vanishing Root & Art, Culture and Folklore" by Esther Lalvanyon, "Madness of Mamon" by Alina Debbarma, "Khudol" by Bobby Singh, "Mawankar" by Tara Tubing, "Sunrise After Rain" by Nitesh, and "Folklore" by Nabam. Each film reflected various aspects of Northeast Indian life, touching upon themes of justice, culture, tradition, belonging, and social issues.
A workshop titled "Exploring the Origins of Ideas in Screenwriting" was conducted by filmmaker and Associate Professor Alka Singh from the Film and Television Institute, Itanagar. Introduced by Dr Zilpha Modi, she shared insights from her 18 years of international experience, discussing how ideas originate from fragmented thoughts and memories.
She highlighted the importance of balancing subjectivity and objectivity, advised against excessive use of music, and encouraged inspiration from dreams and abstract concepts.
The inaugural session included a traditional Galo Kabem prayer by Yano Ptom, sung by women priests during the Mopin harvest festival. Niketan Laishram performed the recitative verse Shai Hou, a prelude to traditional pena performances.