‘Axone’ screened at GLOCAL-
The ‘Axone’ team at the special screening of the movie during the Glocal International Film Festival at Hotel Jafpfü on December 5. (DIPR Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | December 5
Critically acclaimed film ‘Axone’ by Nicholas Lemtur Kharkongor was screened today marking the inaugural of GLOCAL-The Hornbill International Film Festival at Hotel Japfü, Kohima.
Organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Eastern Art Council (EAC) and Department of Tourism, the two days Film Festival was inaugurated by Neiba Kronu, Minister for Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue & Parliamentary Affairs.
In his welcome address Limawati Ao, Director, DIPR mentioned the impact and positive aspects of films which can be used to project stories. “We believe that films can project our State and its positive aspects to the world. It can also promote tourism and generate employment to the skilled and educated youth,” said Ao adding that filmmaking can open up the opportunities for many to work as Directors, Scriptwriters, editors, camerapersons, designers, sound engineers etc.
“But most of all to tell the Naga story to the world. Because we know if a picture is worth a thousand words, then a film is worth a thousand pictures,” stated Ao.
Ao also acknowledged Kharkongor for his presence and efforts in screening the movie- the title of the film being a much loved delicacy for not just the Sümis but the entire Nagas.
“It’s a big homecoming for me as a Naga and it’s a big homecoming for Axone the movie because this is Nagaland and this is where Axone is made,” said Nicholas Lemtur Kharkongor, Director of the film Axone. The film which was premiered in London Film Festival in October and made its debut in India at the Mumbai Film Festival- India’s biggest film festival, met with positive reviews in the country. While the film is yet to be officially released, Kharkongor and his team felt the need for the movie to be screened in Nagaland before its release and before it was shown anywhere else.
“It looks like a funny film but it’s also a very serious film because the attempt, for me, was to be able to showcase life as a Northeasterner living outside the Northeast. There’s a whole population of is outside the Northeast, and while there are good things there’s also racism,” viewed Kharkongor. While it took time ‘to propose the idea of a NE theme and NE acted film coming from Bombay done by a production house in Bombay’, Kharkongor informed, “Axone is the first Hindi Film with a Northeast theme with Northeast actors, which is something I feel very proud of. All of us should be very proud of.”
Kronu mentioned that the Film Festival is one of the few significant and new initiatives for the State. Although in its nascent stage, Kronu expressed optimism that the initiative will go a long way. “We are rich in our culture but everybody cannot come to Nagaland. But through films people will get to know us,” said Kronu.
While films evoke many emotions to the viewer, Kronu noted that films most importantly educate us.
The Hornbill International Film Festival is supported by The Bioscope, MiraclePost, Brahmaputra Valley film festival, The Portrait Studio and BMG (Broadcast Media & Graphics).
