Tracking the events of past few months, it seems, 2019 is turning out to be a watershed year in the history of Arunachal Pradesh. From commercial airport to a host of infrastructural projects, if it’s a deluge of material gains the state is about to reap, the introduction of an international film festival is undoubtedly an art and cultural gain.

Films are part of our life and being a very powerful visual medium and one of the most popular means of mass communication, it has the power to influence our thought process and act as prominent pace-setters. From arousing national consciousness to utilizing energies of the youth in social reconstruction by a skillful blend of good moral, social and educative themes, films had to a great extent, formulated public opinion over the years. For an example, we can take the film ‘All the President’s Men’ (1976) starring Robert Redford which told the story of how two reporters of Washington Post investigated the infamous Watergate scandal and exposed it. It was a huge hit and the inspiration was so strong that journalism schools across the US experienced higher admission rates after its release.

And film festivals are incredibly precious and perfect platforms for young and struggling  movie makers who don’t have the support of distributors and marketing campaigns behind them. More importantly, these festivals trigger pertinent discussions and set agendas for future creative undertakings. An international film festival  is expected to play these intended roles for Arunachal’s budding film makers.

 

Also it is relevant to notice the distinct disconnect of North East with the rest of India here too. Bollywood, even when it comes to the Northeast, does so, only to use its breathtakingly beautiful and scenic landscapes, is the general feeling. It is unfortunate that there haven’t been any conspicuous efforts to showcase the vibrant culture or people of the place.

Just as efforts to connect Arunachal, Northeast and rest of India by means of aeroplanes and railways are always appreciable, without cultural amalgamation it would be nearly impossible to appreciate this place appropriately. Films can go a long way in bridging this gap. Again, problems which this region confront can be compelling narrated through this medium and when subsequently dubbed in other regional languages ,will act as eye-openers for the policy builders.

With film making institute coming up  at Jote and the international film festival expected to graduate into a major occasion in coming years, the duo may turn out to be real game-changers and act as launching pads for the state’s young film makers. After all, it takes two to tango.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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