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“Nani Teri Morni” is a movie based depiction of the inspirational courage of Mhonbeni Ezung who was the youngest recipient of the National Bravery Awards in 2015. Having obtained approval from the Children’s Film Society, India (CFSI), the film was shot entirely in Nagaland in 2016. Although there were offers from other States including offers of subsidies, the obvious decision was taken to shoot the movie entirely in Nagaland where the story originated. According to Akash Aditya Lama, the director of the movie, the entire crew was initially skeptical about shooting the film in the State. However, due to his persistence, the film was finally shot in various locations in Nagaland. Besides the involvement of Rebecca Changkija Sema of Find Studioz as line producer, the cast also included local Naga actors. No support whatsoever was sought from the government of Nagaland. In fact, the production team paid the concerned department for the use of a drone required during filming. As for the inaugural screening, the obvious decision was also taken to screen the movie in Nagaland in the form of a 5 day Children’s Film Bonanza. This would also serve to honour Mhonbeni Ezung, the little girl whose extraordinary bravery served as an inspiration to the entire Nation. To this end, Rebecca Changkija Sema was entrusted to approach the Nagaland Government with a proposal to hold a collaborative screening. It may be noted that the initiative to screen the film in Nagaland was taken by the production team which suggested the same to the CFSI. The CFSI therefore began communications with the Nagaland Government as early as 30th of August in this regard. Since Sofia Foundation, a local NGO involved in children’s issues, and other individuals like Amenla Jamir had been extending their unstinting support to the Nani Teri Morni project from its very inception, Find Studioz enlisted their help for the proposed screening as well. As there was initially no response to the Email dated the 30th of August sent by CFSI, on the 3rd of September, Amenla Jamir personally delivered the hard and soft copies of the said Email to the Chief Minister’s Office and the Advisor, Art and Culture Department. Thereafter, a formal proposal was put up before the Chief Minister’s Office on the 19th of September. Since the team comprising of Rebecca Changkija Sema, members of Sofia Foundation and Amenla Jamir could not get an appointment to meet the Chief Minister, they were advised...
