The first edition of the Mokokchung Film Festival, organised by the District Administration, Mokokchung, was held on January 24 at the Mokokchung Town Hall. Two film entries from Mokokchung district were among the 16 shortlisted films: Longrapong Sama, directed by Y Temsu Longkumer, and Disconnected While Connected, directed by Meren. The jury panel comprised actors Bendang Meren Ao, popularly known as “Boss Meren”, S Neangbah Konyak, and Yangerkumla Lemtur.

The inaugural festival witnessed a low turnout in attendance, and among the award recipients, only Raj Kumar winner of the Best Film award, was present to receive his honour.

Speaking to Nagaland Tribune after winning the Best Film award, RK Production shared, “We are blessed to win the award and are looking forward to more opportunities and platforms to showcase our creativity. This is our second win.” He explained that their first Best Cinematography Film award was for Plastic at the 1st Mon Film Festival, and today, their new film Plastic Far from Home won Best Film at the 1st Mokokchung Film Festival. “Both films tell different stories. We focus on environmental issues and current situations,” RK added.

A total of 33 films were submitted for the festival, out of which 16 films were shortlisted based on criteria including story, quality, acting, and overall cinematography, the jury informed. Among the shortlisted entries, four films made it to the top list, with each film receiving an award.

The Best Film Award was conferred on Plastic Far From Home, directed by Raj Kumar of RK Production, with the story written by Panglem Konyak from Mon district. The award was presented by Atsungba Walling, NCS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung. The Best Director Award was conferred to Anok Pongen for Jeevan Ekta Kitap, presented by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Mokokchung. The Best Actor Award was bagged by Lanusunep Longchar for his role in Longrapong Sama, directed by Y Temsu Longkumer, and was presented by Marsasen Imsong, President, Ao Senden.

The Best Actress Award went to Tulumenla for The Real Identity From Above, presented by Ajay Moktan, IAS. The awardees received a cash prize of ₹10,000 each along with a trophy and certificate.

The winning Best Film, Plastic Far From Home, was screened during the event. The jury noted that the film was based on environment with a touch on social issue, aligning with the guidelines. Films submitted for the festival were required to be based on approved themes such as entertainment, social issues, and the environment.

The jury clarified that the film festival was not restricted to Mokokchung district, though it was hosted there. Film entries were accepted from any part of Nagaland, provided they were local productions. Of the total entries, only two films were submitted from Mokokchung district. However, among the 16 shortlisted films, a majority were produced by filmmakers from the Ao community.

Actor and jury member Bendang Meren stated that the two films from Mokokchung district were of good quality and expressed optimism about the future of filmmaking in the district. He added that the performances in the shortlisted films were commendable and that the jury observed potential among the actors. He further stated that with continued effort, dedication, and sincerity, filmmakers from Mokokchung could progress further.

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Another jury member, Yangerkumla Lemtur, highlighted the need for more producers in Nagaland, stating that if filmmakers and actors are given opportunities, the local film industry can progress over time. S Neangbah Konyak also shared that many films in the state are produced using personal funds, underlining the need for greater support and resources.

Regarding the festival programme held from January 22 to 24, Vitolu, EAC Mokokchung, informed that a two-day masterclass session with the jury was planned. However, due to low participation, it was reduced to one masterclass session. Konyak added that during the session, the jury interacted with district administration officials and a few artists, discussing challenges faced during filmmaking and ways to take filmmaking forward in Nagaland.

On the low turnout in attendance, the EAC stated that since it was the first edition of the film festival, participation was limited mainly to college students and Heads of Departments. Invitations were extended to Fazl Ali College (FAC), Jubilee Memorial College (JMC), and Mokokchung College of Teacher Education (MCTE), of which only FAC and JMC were able to attend. The factor of colleges yet to resume regular classes also affected attendance.

When contacted, Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung, stated that the festival was organized to provide a platform for local artists, content creators, and filmmakers to showcase work based on local topics. He said that the district administration organised the event to encourage youth and local talent and to create awareness about filmmaking. When asked about future editions, he said they ‘will try’ to organise the festival in the coming days.

The other films that made it to the shortlist include Behind Closed Doors, directed by Itoka; Parents Are a Child’s Safe Place, directed by VFT Longleang; Rich Girl Make Fun of Homeless Man, directed by Tizit Tipu Group; The Silence Between Heartbeats, directed by ITOKA DMP; Crossroad of Gratitude, directed by Itoka DMP; A Thief Among Us, directed by Anyao Konyak; Taxation, directed by Tizit Tipu Group; The Gift of Life, directed by Tizit Tipu Group; The Stepmother, directed by Manang Naga Vlog; Boastful Friend, directed by Anyao Konyak; Gossipers, directed by Anyao Konyak; and Disconnected While Connected, directed by Meren.

During the program, an overview of the film festival was presented by actor Bendang Meren Ao, welcome address was delivered by Ajay Moktan, IAS, Assistant Commissioner of Mokokchung, Atsungba Walling, NCS, ADC, Mokokchung delivered a brief Speech.

The programme was chaired by Kewimesin Nriame, NCS, EAC (HQ) Mokokchung, while the invocation was offered by Teyalo Seb, Pastor, Tenyimia Church, Mokokchung. The jury members were introduced by Nibizo Nagi, NCS, EAC (Probationer). A light moment was added through a segment titled “Let Us All Laugh” by Hobi Tsang, followed by a song performance by Asungla Aodang, Lipokmeren, and Easter Konyak, and a dance performance by the Mokokchung Dance Community.The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Bungkhao Konyak, NCS, EAC