By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: It was glamour, lights and action all the way as Shillong celebrated the centenary of Indian Film Industry by hosting the first Indian Cinema Film Festival amidst the presence Bollywood stars Moonmoon Sen and her daughter Riya Sen.
This is the first film festival to be organised in the North-East in an effort to promote the local film industry. A host of films will be screened during the three-day course of the Festival.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Director of Film Festivals, Indrani Bose, said that the films which have got at least one national award will be screened during the festival.
She also said that similar film festivals are being organized in different cities with the help of the respective state governments to celebrate the centenary year of the Indian Cinema.
Noukadubi, a Bengali film directed by Rituporno Ghosh and Raja Harishchandra, the first-ever Indian film released in 1913 and produced and directed by the iconic Dadasaheb Phalke were screened on Monday.
Among other films to be screened on Tuesday and Wednesday include Manus, a Marathi film, Keshu (Malayalam), Bow Barracks Forever (English) and the first ever Khasi film Ka Ri ki 30 Syiem.
Three other local films which have also been short-listed for screening includes Manik Raitong, Hep (both Khasi) and Chake (Jaintia).
Addressing the gathering, Moonmoon Sen asserted that Shillong is indeed a very beautiful place where music lovers can be found in every household.
She also said that very nice films have been shortlisted for screening and all the movies are based on important and meaningful subjects.
The film festival also witnessed a live performance by Na Rympei and the Aroha choir. A fireworks display was also held at the end of the inaugural function.
