DIPR-Ladakh organises Short Film/Documentary Screening Festival in collaboration with FTFL

Leh, November 13, 2024: The Department of Information & Public Relations, UT Ladakh organised a day-long Short Film/Documentary Screening Festival in Leh in collaboration with the Film & Television Federation of Ladakh. It was held to extend support local filmmakers and enthusiasts as well as artists to showcase their talents.
Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC-Kargil, Dr.Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon and Commissioner/Secretary, Higher Education, Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs and Technical Education, Padma Angmo, graced the event as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.
Joint Director, DIPR-Ladakh, Imteaaz Kacho welcomed the guests in his address and highlighted the objective of organising the one-day event. He spoke about the active collaboration of the Film & Television Federation of Ladakh with the Department in this endeavour. He lauded the efforts of the federation and his entire team for putting in sincere efforts to make the event possible.
In his address, Dr. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon highlighted the potential of filmmakers of Ladakh as well as the potential of scenic spots in Ladakh, such as Suru Valley, for shooting films. He lauded the efforts of the DIPR-Ladakh for organizing the festival and stressed that such events should become a regular feature. Further, he announced a grant of Rs 10.00 lakh for making a film on Suru Valley through the Department of Information & Public Relations.
While speaking on the occasion, Commissioner/Secretary, Higher Education, Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs and Technical Education, Padma Angmo stated that the filmmakers from Ladakh have been telling wonderful stories. She encouraged filmmakers to create stories that could go outside Ladakh which she emphasized as the need of the hour.
The programme began with the screening of ‘Taar’ an animated film by Tsering Lanzes. The audience was informed that the film had won the best film award in the Short Film Category during the third edition of The Himalayan Film Festival.
During the first session of the event, Gyamo: Queen of the Mountains by the renowned filmmaker Mike Pandey was screened. It was followed by a thought provoking online interactive session with him. He highlighted the need for unified and concerted efforts to protect mother earth which is nurturing millions of beings. He called Ladakh one of the most eco-sensitive zones on the earth. Pandey also pointed out that everything we do has repercussions. He called for collective effort to bring about a change in behaviour. Highlighting the need to learn to dispose of waste, he said that waste, uncontrolled tourism and consumerism are major challenges. Participants asked him a variety of questions regarding conservation, film making and climate change. He expressed his wish to visit Ladakh and attend future events of the Department of Information & Public Relations physically.
Subsequently, other short films/documentaries like Sekool (by Stanzin Tenkung), Apocalypto (by Tsering Motup Chospa), Bamoo Ja Gayie (by Abbas Dardistani), The Coach by Abbas Nordakh, Sheemi by Iftikhar Hussain, Ri (by Stanzin Idzes), Thigspa (by Tsering Wangdus Lonpo & Tashi Dawa) and 83 (by Abbas Yawar) were also screened. Lively interactive sessions with the filmmakers were also held after the screenings.
Students and teachers of mass communication of EJM College (Leh) also attended the event and participated in the discussions. Accounts Officer, Directorate of Information, Shameem Ahmed presented his vote of thanks to all the dignitaries, guests film enthusiasts, members of FTFL and officials involved in arrangements for turning the one-day film festival into a successful and vibrant event.