The Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Thakur inaugurated the star-studded five days ‘First Himalayan Film Festival’ at Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra, Leh, Union Territory of Ladakh on 24 September 2021.
The five-day long festival was held at Leh, Ladakh from 24th to 28th September 2021. The film festival was a part of the celebrations of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ commemorating 75 years of India’s Independence.
Organized by:
The Himalayan Film Festival 2021 was organized by the Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh in collaboration with the Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
Opening ceremony:
The biographical war film ‘Shershaah’ based on ‘Param Vir Chakra’ awardee Captain Vikram Batra was screened during the opening ceremony.
- The film festival received 100 entries from Himalayan states/UTs.
The festival comprised of various segments, to enthrall the audience and film buffs alike, viz:
- Screening of popular films during the 5-day festival
- Workshops, Masterclasses, and In-Conversation sessions
- Competition section- Short and documentary film competition
Along with the above components the film festival also comprised Food festival, Cultural Shows and Music Fest.
The 1st edition of Himalayan Film Festival concluded successfully and the films were awarded in various categories.
Winners of the Competition Section:
Best Short Film (upto 15 mins):
The Tainted Mirror (Meiteilon/Manipur)
Producer: Chingsubam Sheetal; Director: Romi Meitei
Best Short Film (upto 5 mins):
Go for Organic
Producer & Director: Barnali Medhi
Best Short Film (upto 1 min): (to be shared)
1. Homework
Producer & Director: Sagar Pandey
2. Godliness
Producer: Tadar Kaku; Director: Nabam Sonil
Best Story: (to be shared)
1. Sekool
Screenwriter: Stenzin Tankong
2. Mute Water
Screenwriter: Sahidul Haque
Best Cinematography: (to be shared)
1. The Horse From Heaven (Mur Ghurar Duronto Goti)
Cinematographer: Arnab Laha
2. Samnaba -Merge
Cinematographer: Tushar Nongthombam
Best Editor:
Shadey – A Forgotten Land
Editor: Stanzin Gurmet Phyang
Jury Special Mention (For Director):
- Nesting Munia
Director: Pranjal Pratim Chetia
2. Adapting to Climate Change: Focus on Biodiversity in the Western Himalayas
Director: Prof Shahid Rasool