The Department of Information & Public Relations, UT Ladakh, in collaboration with the Film & Television Federation of Ladakh (FTFL), hosted a day-long Short Film/Documentary Screening Festival on November 13 at Hotel Zen Ladakh. The event aimed to support local filmmakers, enthusiasts, and artists by providing a platform to showcase their talents.

The Chief Guest, CEC of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon, highlighted Ladakh’s potential for filmmaking and the scenic beauty of locations like Suru Valley. He commended DIPR-Ladakh for organizing the festival and expressed the need for such events to become regular. Additionally, he announced a grant of Rs. 10 lakh for a film on Suru Valley through the Department of Information & Public Relations.

Padma Angmo, Commissioner/Secretary of Higher Education, Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs, and Technical Education, lauded Ladakhi filmmakers for telling remarkable stories and encouraged them to create content that reaches audiences outside Ladakh, emphasizing the importance of sharing Ladakh’s unique narratives with the world.

Joint Director of DIPR-Ladakh, Imteaaz Kacho, welcomed the guests and outlined the festival’s objectives. He highlighted the collaboration with FTFL and commended the team’s dedication in making the event possible.

The festival began with the screening of Taar, an animated film by Tsering Lanzes, which won Best Film in the Short Film Category at the third edition of The Himalayan Film Festival.

The first session featured Gyamo: Queen of the Mountains by renowned filmmaker Mike Pandey, followed by an insightful online interactive session with him. Pandey emphasized the need for unified efforts to protect the environment, noting Ladakh’s eco-sensitive status. He discussed challenges like waste management, tourism, and consumerism, urging behavioral change and collective action. Pandey expressed a desire to visit Ladakh and attend future DIPR events in person.

Additional short films and documentaries screened included 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 and Tashi Dawa, and 83 by Abbas Yawar. Interactive sessions with the filmmakers followed each screening.

Students and faculty from the mass communication department at EJM College, Leh, attended and actively participated in the discussions. Accounts Officer of the Directorate of Information, Shameem Ahmed, delivered a vote of thanks, acknowledging the dignitaries, guests, film enthusiasts, FTFL members, and officials for their contributions to making the festival a successful and vibrant event.