Kohima: Nagaland Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner Alemtemshi Jamir has said the State Government observed the entertainment industry as a huge direction for growth- both in economic and social aspects- and was open to suggestions that could channelize talents in related fields.
The additional chief secretary who graced the screening as chief guest, ”An Evening of Short Films” was held last evening at The Heritage Complex of Kohima, marking the first official screening of films created by the Headhunters Entertainment in Nagaland. Experimenting with short duration films and voluntary projects, the Headhunters, consisting of five young filmmakers- Liyo Kikon, Kele Yhoshü, Lanso Yanthan, Cynthia Kolakhe and Imnawapang Longkumer- have five movies and several music videos to their credit.
Mr Alemtemshi has commended the Headhunters describing their work as that of innovation, creativity and art. Acknowledging that the present generation of Naga youth possessed tremendous skills in various fields, Mr Jamir said many of them could fill up a vacuum in the entertainment industry, taking their gift in music and filmmaking to newer heights not only in the state but in wider levels. He stated that policy makers of the state, taking note of the futuristic exuberance in the youth, were trying to focus on how to promote those talents for progress. Stating that the policy makers were planning the 12th Five Year Plan for Nagaland with special focus on urbanization for all round development of the state, he, however, admitted that there were limitations when urban-based growth ventures were assessed.
The Headhunters screened four selected works on the occasion including ‘The Debt’, which was earlier screened at Nazareth College, Rochester, New York (USA) July last; a music video ‘Ancient Gangstar’, performed by Chan Kikon, credited as the first beat box music video in India; ‘Explore Kohima’, a 30 seconds clip created as a sample advertisement to highlight the beauty and diversity of cultures in Kohima; and ‘Worker Drone’, a 20 minute short which is part of an American TV series called Future States. Liyo Kikon and Kele Yhoshü created the special effects and 3D animation used in the series.
On their recent trip to New York, sponsored by Nagaland Government for Naga filmmakers, Headhunters crew members said they had a ”fruitful” excursion and got to set up their own studio at Kohima with ideas and insight they gained during their trip. Headhunters also informed that they would be bringing out several music videos of top Naga bands and musicians in October and November next. (UNI)