Kohima, April 25: The Tribal Research Centre (TRC) at Nagaland University hosted the Nagaland premiere screening of the documentary “A Sacred Place” on Friday, drawing participation from faculty members, research scholars, and students in both offline and online modes.
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| Faculty members, research scholars and students watch the premiere screening of the documentary “A Sacred Place” at the Tribal Research Centre, Nagaland University. |
Welcoming the participants, Dr. Yamsani Srikanth, Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at TRC, said the event marked the first time the university had organised a film screening of this kind. He also introduced the concept of filmmaking to the audience.
The documentary explores the cultural and ecological significance of Makhel, a site closely associated with the heritage of the Mao Naga community. In the Mao Naga language, Makhel means “A Sacred Place.” The film highlights the deep connections between stones, spirits, and salt springs, which are believed by Naga ancestors to embody spiritual presence.
Through visual ethnography, oral traditions, and geological narratives, the documentary presents Indigenous knowledge systems and ecological consciousness while raising questions about the survival of sacred landscapes in the face of modern ecological destruction.
The 40-minute screening was followed by an interactive discussion session. Dr. Srikanth introduced the film’s director and producer, Dolly Kikon, and the discussant, Rongsenzulu Jamir from University of Hyderabad.
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In her remarks, Dr. Jamir congratulated Prof. Kikon and her team, discussing themes such as the film’s conceptual origins, the shift from academic writing to filmmaking, and the challenges of sustaining sacred traditions amid ecological degradation.
Responding to the discussion, Prof. Kikon emphasised the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the project, involving anthropologists, geologists, and local communities. She noted that Indigenous scholarship is deeply rooted in storytelling and reciprocity and highlighted the importance of community participation in research and exhibitions.
Prof. Kikon also expressed concern over extractive research practices, where external researchers collect data without meaningful engagement with local communities. She described the documentary as an effort toward collaborative knowledge production and encouraged Indigenous scholars to reconnect with their roots and contribute to their communities.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Repakaba Tzudir, research scholar in the Department of Sociology, who acknowledged the speakers and participants for their contributions to the event.
