Ukhrul to host Tangkhul Naga Film Festival 2023
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, November 07 2023: Tangkhul filmdom has come a long way since the formation of Tangkhul Naga Film Association (TNFA) way back in 1985 .

A year later in 1986, the first Tangkhul feature film "Huinaya Phaningkakhui", directed by AS Somingam and produced under the banner of Rosowor Productions, came out.

Chonchon Raleng (Hunphun) and Ngayaisin Shangh (Shirui) were cast as the two leading actors in the film which was released by the then president of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), P Peter.

This was followed by another release "Hanungfalo Aphinao" produced by Lions Club, Tashar in 1986.Many aspiring local filmmakers followed suit and tried their hands in the creative profession which has been gaining traction ever since.

Today, Tangkhul filmdom under TNFA has more than 30 movie production houses, which have produced and released more than 100 films.

In a bid to take Tangkhul filmdom to a new height, TNFA is gearing up to host Tangkhul Naga Film Festival 2023 at Ukhrul town public ground on December 14 and 15 .

Announcing this during a news conference at 3 in 1 Hotel, Phungreitang on Monday, TNFA president Y1 Ravins shed light on the mission and vision of the festival which is going to be a mega event like never before.

He highlighted that the overarching goal is to help produce meaningful Tangkhul films and enrich the arts through films, while simultaneously promoting the talent of Tangkhul professionals in the field of filmmaking.

He went on to say that the vision of the festival, more so, is to tell the stories of Tangkhul people on a worldwide level and ensure that the stories are heard and acknowledged by the global audience.

"This festival will mark a mega event in TNFA's history, though there have been several similar festivals before," Ravins said, while adding that as many as 10 awards will be presented to the most noteworthy individuals on the second day of the festival.

"The awards will recognise the best in film making, direction, acting (actor & actress), supporting role, editing, makeup, videography and costume," he stated.

He informed that TNFA has also tied up with various film personalities in Manipur and other states from the Northeast in order to ensure that the festival reaches a larger audience.

At the same time, the film association is making efforts to rope in well-known artistes to help promote local films.

"We have already signed agreements with some of the artistes including Sonam Topden from Kathmandu and the process is on-going at the moment," he disclosed.

"We are committed to uphold the traditional culture and customs while also contributing to the overall advancement of our film industry and the arts.

It is an exciting moment for locals and filmmakers alike, as the festival will provide the perfect platform for establishing Tangkhul heritage as a powerhouse in the field of filmmaking," Ravins exuded.

TNFA is affiliated to All Tribals' Film Organisation, Manipur (AT-FOM) .

TNFA had once changed its nomenclature to Tangkhul Music and Film Association (TMFA) in 2014, but retained its original name later in 2016 .

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