Shührazhüo A Mao Dimapur | January 17 It is well known that Nagas are very talented in the field of Arts. Filmmaking can be considered one of the highest forms of art and there are many artists in the community who are discouraged to achieve success because of lack of Infrastructure, resources and encouragement, whether from family and society or the government. However, there are also people who are trying to make it on their own. This is a story about a Naga artist who aspires outward, and a non Naga artist from Nagaland who aspires inward. Both struggle, but both share common love for the art of filmmaking.
Tears of a Clown
Kangba Lovejoy, 28, is an aspiring Filmmaker from Senapati, Manipur. He first entered the film business when he shot his first short film ‘Tears of a Clown’ back in 2013 and he felt he was right for it. He says that the reality of how hard it is for a filmmaker to survive or to make a living out of it in the place where he belong inspired him to start making short films no matter what. “It’s not about the money, but it is my love for art,” he maintains. Lovejoy is currently shooting a six minutes short film called ‘Dance to kill’ in collaboration with a couple of theatre students from the United States of America. When asked about the current situation of Naga films, he observed, “Sadly I feel there is no status as a Naga Film Industry but the audience should learn to accept and promote our own movies (good or bad). And never forget that we are one of the most gifted communities in the field of art, so let’s make use of it.” He is, however, optimistic that the situation will change. “Believe it or not there is at least one person who is crying when you expected that from your audience,” he said. Is he interested to join the Bombay film industry, better known to us as Bollywood? “I’d be lying if I said I’m not,” remarked Lovejoy, but “from the little knowledge that I have, I feel Bollywood is not interested in us.”The Nagamese film industry
Munna Yadav, 40, is the brand ambassador of Arnavi mineral water and Owner of Murti Films Private Limited. He is also famous for starting the North East Dancing Best Moms. He is also a very diverse Filmmaker and actor. Yadav’s first Nagamese film ‘Mafia Gang’ was released in 2004. His next big hit, directed by Ajay Kumar was ’Revenge’ also starring Zhokhoi Chuzho (from Force 2) where Yadav played the role of a villain. In 2009 he released ‘Jokhom pa maiki’ and another Bhojpuri film in Mumbai- ‘Achara ke Beyaar’. He produced a Bhojpuri music album in 2010, called ‘Ramu Kaka Humka Chori Chahi,’ where he made a mention of Nagaland. “As producer, director and actor, I want to promote local talents,” he said. “People tell me to go to Mumbai (to work in films) but I want to make Dimapur into Mumbai,” Yadav added. His advice to other young filmmakers is to develop your own area first. When asked about the finance aspect, he complained that there is no marketing and no distribution. To make profit or even earn back the money spent on production, he says that a minimum 10,000 copies of DVDs should be sold but only 5000-6000 copies is sold after release. The situation is such that producers only get back the money after the distributers finish selling all the copies. “Don’t condemn Nagamese films (but) promote our own talent. Murti films will encourage local talents,” he reiterated. His next Hindi film ‘Run (Daud)’ will premiere on March 19 this year. His other works include Tum Mile (Hindi album), Teen Lafange (Bollywood movie), Khel (Nepali movie) and Mr. Smiles part 2 (Nagamese film). Both of these filmmakers, one from the new generation and one who is already experienced, have similar stories when it comes to finance and response from the audience and public. It is high time that Nagas start to encourage artists in this field because with their potential what they can contribute to the society is very big.The writer is an intern at The Morung Express
