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A documentary film on contemporary Naga folk music, Songs of the Blue Hills, directed by national award-winning film critic and filmmaker Utpal Borpujari, has been selected for five international film festivals.
The 96-minute film, that features a number of veteran Naga folk music exponents as well as younger practitioners, has been invited to the Doc Outlook International Market of the Visions du Reel Film
Festival (Nyon, Switzerland), Gothenburg Independent Film Festival (Sweden), New York Indian Film Festival, Eyes & Lenses Ethnographic Film Festival (Warsaw, Poland) and the World Music & Independent Film Festival (Washington).
Produced by Girish Joshi for the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), ministry of culture, the film is in the competition sections of the Gothenburg and Washington festivals.
| This is just the beginning of the journey for this film, and I am sure it would act as a tool to attract tourists to Nagaland apart from introducing the world to a wide variety of Naga music,” said Borpujari. |
The film features some fascinating music as well as conversations with musicians like veteran Ao folk singers Sademmeren Longkumer and A. Bendangyanger Tsuwar Jamir, Chakhesang folk veteran Zachunu Keyho, classical pianist Nise Meruno and groups like Tetseo Sisters, Nagaland Singing Ambassadors, Chancel Choir, Ru’a, Üsou’s Instrumental, Abiogenesis, Nagagenous, Baptist Youth Choir Poilwa Village and Purple Fusion.
Experts such as A. Lanunugsang, Lipokmar Tzudir, Gugs Chishi, Theja Meru, Vivee Peseye, Som Kamei, Zubeno Mozhui and Abraham Lotha have shared their views on the changing face of Naga music in recent times.
Shot extensively across Nagaland, the film’s crew comprised Biswajeet Changmai (cinematography), Debajit Gayan (sound), Umesh Kumar (editor), Atanu Phukan (research and coordination), Aiyushman Dutta (research and art direction).
“The selections mean that the rich tapestry of the various Naga tribes would get showcased through the film in across several countries. This is just the beginning of the journey for this film, and I am sure it would act as a tool to attract tourists to Nagaland apart from introducing the world to a wide variety of Naga music,” said Borpujari.
