Morung Express Feature
The Children’s Film Society, India (CFSI) is organizing “Children Film Bonanza” at Kohima from October 9 to 13 under the theme, “Promoting Every Child’s Right to Entertainment.” It is organised in collaboration with the Departments of Social Welfare and Art & Culture, Youth Resources & Sports, School Education and Information & Public Relations, Government of Nagaland. The target audience will be the students from Class V to Class XII of both Government and Private Schools.
Despite the controversy regarding the release of the film, ‘Nani Teri Morni,’ the festival has lined up some interesting wholesome entertainment as well as educative films. The Morung Express gives a sneak preview:
‘Nani Teri Morni’ 2018
The film by Akashaditya Lama, an Indian film director and scriptwriter based in Mumbai will have its premiere on October 9. The film is based on the heroics of Mhonbeni Ezung, who received a National Bravery Award 2015 for rescuing her drowning grandmother from a river in January 2014. Barely 8, she was the youngest recipient of the bravery award that year. Apart from Zinen Nillo Kath, who plays the lead role, the other cast members and other assistance are mostly Nagas.
‘Nokpokliba’ (2005)
The only animated feature in the offing, ‘Nokpokliba’ (2005), directed by Meren Imchen, is based on a folk tale of the Ao Nagas. The 9-minute long animation tells the story of Nokpokliba, a mystic, who saves his people from the treachery of an evil merchant by using his magical powers.
‘Kima’s Lode-Beyond the Class’ (2015)
Zuala Chhangte’s debut film, ‘Kima’s Lode Beyond the Class’ tells the story about how the remote border town of “Chhimtui,” in northeast India, is shaken up as twelve -year old boy “Kima” goes missing. Kima suddenly returns but refuses to tell where he had been. He makes a secret plan with his best buddies “Rova” and “Dawnga” to go back to the forest. On the fateful day, the boys share a ride with an old man who tells them of a strange tale... It won the best Best Mizo film award at 63rd National Film Award, 2015.
‘Pinti Ka Sabun’ (2017)
Directed by Pramod Pathak and Sanjay Khati, the film is based on the award winning novel titled ‘Pinti ka Sabun’ (Pinti’s soap) written by Sanjay Khati. It‘s a sensitive and delightful story of economically depraved characters living along the mountain valleys in lush Uttarakhand that has never seen soap. See how things around him change when a twelve-year-old carefree boy Lalit who gets soap for the first time.
‘Ek Tha Bhujang’ (2015)
The debut feature of writer-director Mohinder Pratap Singh, ‘Ek Tha Bhujang’ is a story of a 10-year old boy wanting to play the role of Lord Krishna… the Hindu GOD, in the school drama. The only problem – he is a Muslim. The movie follows the situation unfolded thereafter. It is also described as a story about a teacher’s journey, who realizes that one has to rise above personal biases to do what needs to be rightfully done.
‘Gauru: Journey of Courage’ (2016)
Written & Directed by Ramkishan Choyal, it is a story of a 13-year-old Gauru, a shepherd grandson and how he fulfils his grandmother’s last wish - to go her native place, a difficult and distant place to reach. It is a story of hope, a journey against all odds...
‘Gilli Gilli Atta’ (2005)
Shankar is a criminal who turns his life around and becomes a businessman. He is delighted when his wife gives birth to twins. However, Anna, his arch-enemy from his old days, plots vengeance and kidnaps one baby... The film uses comedy to impress upon its audience that good always triumphs over evil in the end. The movie is directed by Pankaj Parashar.
‘Karamati Coat’ (1993)
Director Ajay Kartik’s Karamati Coat’ - The Miraculous Coat’ is about a Raju, a poor rag-picker and how his life ensued when a magical stranger gifts him a red coat. The film tells how “easy money comes with its own problems and cannot be enjoyed for long.” The film received an award 20th International Children’s Film Festival, Frankfurt, 1994.
‘Gattu’ (2011)
Rajan Khosa directed ‘Gattu’ revolves around a small town in central India, where kids and adults are equally obsessed with kite-flying. The kite, Kali, rules the skies. No one knows who flies Kali. No one can defeat Kali. An illiterate street urchin takes up the challenge... The films will be screened at Regional Centre of Excellence for Music and Performing Arts (RCEMPA) Auditorium, Jotsoma from October 9-11 and at the State Academy Hall, Kohima from October 12 and 13. (With inputs from CFSI, IMDB)
