Lecture series on folklore and identity held at Sazolie College

The Department of English, Sazolie College, organised a lecture series on September 20 on the theme “Folklore and Identity: How Film Adaptations Reflect and Shape Cultural Identity” as part of its departmental activities. The event aimed to explore the connections between folklore, cinema and cultural identity.
Invited speakers included Dr. Imnasenla Vero, researcher, independent filmmaker, press secretary of the Film Association of Nagaland and member of IWART, and Yapangnaro Longkumer, independent documentary filmmaker, president of the Film Association of Nagaland and member of IWART.
Speaking on the theme, Dr. Vero highlighted that film adaptations of folklore serve not only to preserve traditions but also to reinterpret them for contemporary audiences. She observed that such reinterpretations influence how societies view their cultural roots and stressed that cinema acts as a bridge between oral traditions and visual storytelling. Citing examples from regional and international films, she said folklore in cinema is often used to assert identity, resist cultural erasure and foster a collective sense of belonging.
Yapangnaro Longkumer, in her address, focused on the technical aspects of filmmaking. She explained how elements such as cinematography, editing, costume design and soundtracks contribute to evoking cultural settings and enhancing the authenticity of folklore on screen. She noted that these creative choices were not merely aesthetic, but essential to how audiences connect with cultural narratives.
The lecture also featured interactive discussions where participants raised questions on the authenticity of adaptations, challenges faced by independent filmmakers, and the balance between creativity and cultural preservation. The discussions further touched on the global appeal of localized stories.