New Delhi: A feature-length documentary on contemporary Naga folk music has been invited for screening in China, Italy and Romania, apart from competing in the Asia Pacific Screen Awards in Australia.
‘Songs of the Blue Hills’, directed by critic-turned- filmmaker Utpal Borpujari and produced by Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) of the Union Culture Ministry, has been invited to the prestigious Guangzhou International Documentary Film Festival (GZDOC) and the Silk Road International Film Festival, both in China, the 21st IFFEST Document Art Film Festival in Bucharest and the Parma International Music Film Festival in Italy.
Till now, the film has been selected to 14 international film festivals.
Describing it as an “extraordinary documentary, embodying human concern and rational thinking”, GZDOC has picked it up as one of the 20 films from world over to be screened in Guanzhou, Shanghai and Beijing.
The Silk Road International Film Festival is part of the ‘Silk Road Economic Zone’ and ‘Maritime Silk Road of 21st century’ strategic vision of China, and using Borpujari’s film as a link, it seeks to build international platform for film exchange and trade, enhance cultural exchange and cooperation of countries along the Silk Road, according to its organisers.
‘Songs of the Blue Hills’ will also compete in the Eighth Annual Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA), to be held in Brisbane. The 96-minute film features an eclectic range of Naga musicians who are practising the folk music of various tribes in their pure and contemporary forms.
Among the musicians featured in it are veteran Ao folk singers Sademmeren Longkumer and Bendangyanger Tsuwar Jamir, Chakhesang folk veteran Zachunu Keyho, classical pianist Nise Meruno and groups like Tetseo Sisters, Nagaland Singing Ambassadors, Chancel Choir, Ru’a, Usou’s Instrumental, Abiogenesis, Nagagenous, Baptist Youth Choir Poilwa Village and Purple Fusion.
Experts like A Lanunugsang, Lipokmar Tzudir, Gugs Chishi, Theja Meru, Vivee Peseye, Som Kamei, Zubeno Mozhui and Abraham Lotha have also shared their views on the changing face of Naga music in recent times.