Winners and dignitaries pose for a group photograph during the Mokokchung Film Festival at Mokokchung Town Hall on January 24.
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | January 25
Mokokchung hosted its first Film Festival on January 24 at Mokokchung Town Hall. The event was organised by the District Administration, Mokokchung.
A total of 16 films from different parts of Nagaland were submitted for the festival. The films were evaluated by a jury comprising actor S. Neangbah Konyak, Yangerkumla Lemtur, and actor-director Bendangmeren Ao, popularly known as Boss Meren. Awards were presented to films and individuals in various categories as part of the festival.
The winners included Anok Pongen, who bagged Best Director for Jeevan Ekta Kitap; Lanusunep Longchar, who won Best Actor for Longrapong Sama; and Tulumenla, who received Best Actress for My Real Identity from Above. The Best Film award went to Plastic, directed by Raj Kumar. According to the judges, films were assessed on the basis of entertainment value, social relevance, and environmental themes. The award-winning film Plastic was also screened during the event.
The festival featured a diverse lineup of films, including Behind Closed Doors by Itoka; Parents Are a Child’s Safe Place by VFT Longleang; Plastic Far From Home by RK Production, Mon; Rich Girl Make Fun of Homeless Man by Tizit Tipu Group; The Silence Between Heartbeats by Naga GenZ; Crossroad of Gratitude by ITOKA DMP; A Thief Among Us, Boastful Friend and Gossipers by Anyao Konyak; Taxation and The Gift of Life by Tizit Tipu Group; The Stepmother by Manang Naga Vlog; Disconnected While Connected by Meren; and Longrapong Sama by Y. Temsu Longkumer.
An overview of the festival was presented by Bendangmeren Ao, while the welcome address was delivered by Ajay Moktan, IAS, Assistant Commissioner, Mokokchung.
Addressing the gathering, Atsungba Walling, NCS, ADC, Mokokchung, highlighted the power of cinema as a cultural mirror and a catalyst for social awareness, noting its role in preserving identity, amplifying marginalised voices, and fostering unity in an increasingly fragmented world.
Adding to the evening were a humour segment titled “Let Us All Laugh” by Hobi Tsang, musical performances by Asungla Aodang, Lipokmeren and Easter Konyak, and a dance performance by the Mokokchung Dance Community.
