Himalayan Film Festival: 'Sekool', 'Shadey: A Forgotten Land' among winners
At the maiden Himalayan Film Festival, Ladakhi filmmakers Stenzin Tankong and Stanzin Gurmet were awarded for their films. While Tankong won the best story award for his much-acclaimed movie Sekool, Gurmet bagged the best editing trophy for Shadey: A Forgotten Land. Three other short films were also felicitated at the festival this year. It was inaugurated by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur.
Three short films received Rs. 3.5 lakh cash prize each
The Tainted Mirror, Go for Organic, and Homework and Godliness were declared as the best three short films and were awarded a cash prize of Rs. 3.5 lakh each in the festival. Hosted by Ladakh, the five-day-long first-ever Himalayan Film Festival concluded at the Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra in Leh on Tuesday. It was held from September 24-28 to mark the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Sidharth Malhotra's 'Shershaah' was screened at the opening session
Sidharth Malhotra too had graced the festival's inauguration. His latest film Shershaah on late Captain Vikram Batra was also screened during the opening session of the festival. "Inaugurated the 1st Himalayan Film Festival with Shershaah today. It was an complete honor to have shared the stage with our honorable Union Minister for I&B, Mr.Anurag Thakur," the actor had written on Instagram.
'Shershaah' producer Karan Johar shared the news on Twitter
Lieutenant Governor RK Mathur wants it as an annual event
The movie gala concluded with the screening of Ladakhi filmmaker Stanzin Dorjai's internationally acclaimed movie Shepherdess of the Glaciers. While speaking at the closing session, the event's chief guest Lieutenant Governor RK Mathur expressed happiness over the success of the film festival and strongly pitched for the continuance of the same as an annual event to promote talent in the Himalayan region.
Festival also conducted in-conversation session with Anupama Chopra
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, known for movies like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Rang De Basanti was also invited as a special guest, who suggested promoting the festival at an international level in future. A total of 26 films were screened including 18 entry films recommended by the jury. The festival also conducted in-conversation sessions with Anupama Chopra, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and Nikhil Talegaonkar.
