NEW DELHI: A festival of films and cultural heritage of the north-eastern states of India, ‘Fragrances from the North-East’, is to open in the capital from 22 August.

To be held between 22 and 24 August, the festival is being held at the Sirifort Auditorium by the Directorate of film festivals of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry (I&B).

The opening film of the festival will be Khawnglung Run (The Raid of Khawnlung) in the Mizo language. The 122 minute-long movie has been directed by Mapuia Chawngthu. The closing film will be RI: Homeland of Uncertainty  in Khashi directed by Pradip Kurbah.

Other films being screened are: Yarwng in Kokborok by Joseph Pulinthanath; Phijigee Mani in Manipuri by O Gautam Singh; Sonam in Monpa by Ahsan Muzid and Ajeyo in Assamese by the renowned Jahnu Barua.

In addition, some other films will be screened about the north east states, each followed by a quiz about the region. These are Going the Distance in Nagmese/Digibeta by Tiainla Jamir; Bamboo Shoots by Steven Ao produced by the Satyajit Ray Film Institute in Kolkata; Kathaain Gorkhali/Bluray by Prashant Rasaily; and the closing film Ri.

It will open with a live programme by Papon along with his band The East India Company and close with Nise Meruno and Nagaland Singing ambassadors.

Moreover, it will also include an exhibition of paintings, exhibition-cum-sale of handicrafts and artifacts from the north east organised by the Culture Ministry and special north east food stalls representing cuisines from all eight states of north-east.

The film festival has been curated by veteran journalist and filmmaker Utpal Borpujari.