Ziro Film Festival-Music (ZFF-M) Concludes
ZIRO, SEP 25: The first edition of the Ziro Film Festival-Music (ZFF-M) concluded here at Saint Claret College, Ziro, bringing together filmmakers, producers, and students for a stimulating series of discussions, masterclasses, and screenings. One of the major highlights of the final day, wasthe panel discussion on ‘Why can’t Arunachal have its own film industry – or does it?’
The discussion saw the participation of industry experts, including Allison Welly, a noted producer, Filmmaker Tai Gungte from the Arunachal Film Collective, and Mingkeng Osik from the Film and Television Guild of Arunachal. The panel was moderated by journalist Ranju Dodum, while Ngali Ete, IAS, Secretary of IPR and Urban Affairs, also contributed to the lively debate. The panellists engaged in a deep dive into the existing landscape of filmmaking in Arunachal, exploring challenges such as funding, infrastructure, and the potential for local talent to thrive on a larger scale.
As part of the festival, attendees were treated to a masterclass on visual storytelling, conducted by filmmaker Aditi Banerjee. The workshop inspired young filmmakers by showcasing innovative techniques in visual storytelling.
Additionally, National Award-winning filmmaker Saajin Babu delivered an invited talk, sharing his remarkable journey from a passionate film enthusiast to becoming a celebrated director, screenwriter, and producer.
The event also featured the screening of ‘Genghis Blues,’ a critically acclaimed documentary by Roko Belic, which received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
The closing ceremony, attended by Keni Bagra, SP Ziro, as the chief guest, marked the festival’s successful conclusion. Bagra commended the efforts of the organisers for creating a platform for the students and young filmmakers.
ZFF-M is expected to return in the coming years, providing a nurturing environment for both seasoned and aspiring filmmakers in the region. The festival is organised by PWLO Entertainment in collaboration with the Department of Mass Communication, which is supported by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC)).
