Gangtok, March 19 Calling cinema a powerful medium that transcends borders, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said on Wednesday that the inaugural Sikkim International Film Festival marks a significant step towards positioning the state as a vibrant hub of art and culture.
Addressing the opening ceremony at Manan Kendra, Tamang said the festival aims to establish Sikkim as a meeting point for cinema, creativity, and cultural exchange, while also creating opportunities for the youth.
"As Sikkim proudly celebrates 50 years of statehood, this Golden Jubilee marks a moment of immense pride and reflection. On this historic occasion, we are honoured to host the first-ever Sikkim International Film Festival," he said.
The festival, organized by the state's Information and Public Relations Department in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation, was formally inaugurated by Governor OP Mathur.
The CM said the festival will celebrate storytelling while encouraging dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.
He added that participation from international partners, including the European Union, would further strengthen cultural ties and broaden perspectives.
Tamang said key highlights of the festival include a short film competition for regional filmmakers, a film market to foster creative collaboration, and workshops led by industry experts, all contributing to the growth of a strong creative ecosystem.
"Our government remains committed to promoting the creative economy through progressive initiatives such as the Creatorpreneur Policy, support for artists, and incentives for filmmaking in Sikkim," he said, adding that these efforts aim to empower youth, preserve cultural heritage, and make the state a preferred destination for filmmakers.
He also spoke about a proposal to establish a Nepali Film Certification Board in Sikkim to ease logistical challenges for filmmakers and support the growth of Nepali-language cinema.
"With its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural identity, Sikkim holds immense potential in the world of cinema. Through initiatives like this festival, we aspire to place Sikkim firmly on the global cultural map," he said.
Filmmaker Susan Lamjal won the short film competition at the festival for his film 'Dokoko Chahari'. The competition saw around 36 entries from across regions.
The winner was awarded a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh by the chief minister during the programme.