Advisor Information & Public Relations and Soil and Water Conservation, Imkong L Imchen inaugurated the “HIPFEST” 2023 themed “Nature’s Canvas-Celebrating the beauty of Nagaland” at the WWII Museum Arena, Kisama on December 1.
According to a DIPR report, addressing the inauguration, Imchen stated that such events give opportunity to upcoming youth and enthusiasts to showcase their talents and works. He congratulated the Department of IPR and Portrait Studio for organising the HIPFEST successfully over the past years.
Director IPR, Dzuvinuo Theunuo, in her welcome address, highlighted that the photos collected over the years have been used in various government publications including the Nagaland Calendar and the Nagaland Diary.
The department felt the need to organise a photofest where the pictures of the State can be showcased to people and also to encourage young upcoming photographers, she added. The director also viewed that enthusiasm has picked up over the years.
Proprietor, The Portrait Studio, Ababe Ezung stated that the HIPFEST is one platform where people from all walks of life can come and witnessed Naga lifestyle be it in a kitchen, field, celebration, marriage, etc. because all photographs showcased are from the state of Nagaland. He also added that photographs showcased in the exhibition have been published in other foreign magazines promoting tourism of the state.
Ababe informed that HIPFEST 2023 has 84 participants and the competition will be judged by Kekhriezhazo, Onenjunshi, both photographers from Nagaland and also a representative from Nikon. Short video clip of Jana Bedranova on her Plein-Air Painting at Dzukuo Valley was also screened during the inaugural. The video showcased the glimpse of the plein-air painting in Dzukou Valley areas. The artist who worked directly on site, portrayed the sceneries of the untouched nature.
Canon will also be conducting advance workshops on photography on December 3 while Nikon will conduct a two-day workshop on December 7 and 8 at the HIPFEST arena where interested persons have been invited to participate.