3 entries from NE at Vatavaran Film Fest 2009 Sobhapati Samom IMPHAL, Sept 29 – Three films from North East, including two from Manipur, have been nominated for screening at the prestigious 5th CMS Vatavaran, Environment and Wildlife Film Festival, 2009 to be held at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi from October 27 to 31 under the theme Climate Change and Sustainable Technologies.
The two films from Manipur are Rajkumar Robindro’s Loktak: The Lake in peril and Thoudam Brajabidhu Singh’s Sangai: A vanishing deer. Both Robindro and Brajabidhu are employees of Doordarshan Kendra, Imphal.
The Lake in peril talks about the threat to the natural environment of the lake from human interference such as mega projects and deforestation in the catchment areas while Sangai : A vanishing deer takes up the issue related to protection of Sangai, the graceful deer available nowhere in the world except in the floating Keibul Lamjao National Park of Manipur.
In view of Loktak Hydro Multipurpose Project, Keibul Lamjao National Park, only floating Park in the world and habitat of Brow-antlered Deer (Cervus eldi eldi) or Sangai in local tongue is a noble and graceful deer which is in the death throes. The film advocates immediate action and awareness to save it from total destruction.
Neighbouring Assam’s lone entry Sesh Asha (The last hope) by Dip Bhuyan, highlights the issue of flood and the need of conservation of animals in Kazirangza National Park.
Initiated in 2002, CMS VATAVARAN is India’s premier biennial competitive and travelling Environmental and Wildlife Film Festival.
There are a total of 366 entries including 276 entries (in 16 categories) from 20 States of India besides 90 International entries (in nine categories) from 23 countries. In the State-wise nominations Delhi has topped the chart with 28 nominations.
Through CMS Vatavaran several burning issues in our contemporary world pertaining to environment, wildlife, natural resources and health are highlighted and widely disseminated.
The awards of the festival will comprise of cash entitlements between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1.5 lakh, trophies and citations.
