Axone– a 96-minute feature film based on experiences of north-easterners in major Indian cities, was screened at Hornbill Festival on Thursday.
The film was screened on the first day of the two-day Glocal International Film Festival- a part of the ongoing Hornbill Festival- at Hotel Japfü in Kohima.
Short films from around the world such as Change of Plan, S-He, Midnight Error, Enemy of the State etc. were also screened later on the day.
Axone follows a day in the life of a group of northeasterners in Delhi through a wedding, a feast, a landlord-tenant clash and shows their experiences in the big city.
The film is written and directed by Nicholas Kharkongor and it was premiered at the 63rd BFI London Film Festival in October.
The film festival is being organised by Nagaland information and public relations in association with Eastern Art Council.
“We had full houses at the London Film Festival and the Indians there said it resonated with them because when they first came to London and would cook curry, it would smell and get them into trouble,” said Kharkongor.
The viewers were full of appreciation for the movie produced by Yoodlee Films and stars actors Vinay Pathak and Sayani Gupta.
On being asked about the possibility of a sequel, Kharkongor said, “It’s important that the film does well to take up the next chapter because at the end of the day for Bombay, it’s all about the commercial success.”
It’s carefully thought out not to make it propaganda when the film is aired in cities like Mumbai and Delhi, added Kharkongor.
Gracing the inaugural programme, Nagaland minister Neiba Krone said, “Assam and Manipur have gone ahead in terms of film-making but in everything, there is a beginning.”
“Lots of programmes are being held these days but the film festival is quite an interesting one,” Krone added.
“Through the bioscope, people are getting to know us. Movies make us sad, happy and inspire us, but in our context educating us is the most important,” said Krone.
IPR director Limawati Ao said film production can be a lucrative and employment-generating activity in the state.
“Films can project our state and its positive aspects to the world, but most of all tell the story of the Nagas to the world,” he said.
Minister Temjen Imma Along, advisers Toshi Wungtung and Mmhonlumo Kikon and other dignitaries attended the programme.
