The 3-day Bootcamp ‘Tribes in Transition’, organized by the Tribal Design Forum, commenced on 2nd October 2024 at The Heritage, Kohima. Day 1 of the event featured screening of films based on tribal communities, followed by discussions, the organisers informed in a press release.

The session began with a welcome address by Margaret Zinyu. Subsequently, cinematography student Shweta Gudiya gave a brief introduction to the documentary and animation short films created by filmmakers and animators from tribal communities that were to be showcased in the session.

Four documentary films, four music videos, and one animated short film were screened. The key films screened were:

Documentaries:

– Honey Hunters of My Village, directed by Thangsoi Khiamniuangan

– Rearing Giants, directed by Thejavikho Chase and Dipen Rangmang

– Log drum of Pessao, directed by Millo Tako, Chonglise Sangtam, Lamthanglian Vaipei and Wanmai Konyak

– Ade (On a Sunday), directed by Theja Rio

Music Videos:

– Kung Kung Go Music Video by Sofiyum

– Amazing Nature Sounds by Human Voice by Snow Raven

– Jaduni Somoi by Koloma Band

– Genesis by OTYEKN

Animated Short Film:

– Jaradakgiparang (Idiots) by Chedil K Marak

The organisers also informed that filmmakers Thangsoi and Theja Rio, along with their entire team, were present during the film screening. Later, they engaged in open discussions with participants from various states on topics such as indigenous filmmaking, cultural appropriation, and stereotyping.

The first day of the TDF bootcamp not only provided participants with an opportunity to learn about the works of tribal filmmakers but also allowed them to interact with regional participants during workshops based on film themes.

The second day of the bootcamp, will focus on important subjects like tourism, fashion, AR/VR technology, and policymaking through talks, discussion and presentation with key stakeholders of local tribal communities.

Read more: Tribal Design Forum to organise Bootcamp in Kohima from October 2-4