The first ever Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) kicked off here this morning with Parliamentary Secretary for IPR Bamang Felix declaring it open amidst a huge gathering of dignitaries and movie lovers.
The three-day event is being organised by the Film Division of Union ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with the state IPR department.
"Film making in the North East will help in unifying the country, provide proper exposure and promote better understanding among the people of the region and the mainland India," Felix said while inaugurating the event at Naharlagun, near here.
Stating that film is a strong medium of communication and exposure of the state and its people would motivate and encourage the young generation to join the main stream and thus help in integrating the nation at large.
He said that film has become an integral part of man and as such it should be aimed to highlight the socio-cultural aspects of the society, customs and traditions of the people, besides scenic beauty of the place.
The festival would screen selected and 31 award-winning films besides documentaries, short films and animation films.
Screening of Oscar nominated short film directed by Ashvin Kumar 'The Little Terrorist' along with 13 other films mark the inaugural ceremony of the festival.
