Kohima : Lady wife of Chief Minister of Nagaland Kaisa Rio inaugurated the screening of the Documentary Film ‘Where Cotton Flowers Grow’ and Mini Exhibition-cum- Sale at the Directorate of Art & Culture, Kohima today.

Kaisa Rio while delivering her speech said that cotton is an ancient utility material that has served the timeline of human history till present day. She expressed her gratitude to the Department for supporting, encouraging and promoting Naga textiles entrepreneurs and providing a platform for those special voices that must be heard.

 Commissioner & Secretary, Art & Culture, Athel O. Lotha, said that the art and crafts are one of the earliest creative experiences of the Nagas. She lamented that the traditional process of making textiles right from growing and sourcing the raw materials, spinning the raw materials to make yarn, to the final stages of weaving and dyeing the finished product, is on the verge of extinction.

Only a few elders in isolated pockets still practice the traditional and indigenous way of creating textiles, she added.

The mini exhibition cum sale constituted an exceptional display of authentic indigenous textiles and crafts, the talent, richness and diversity of the local crafts persons. She believed that the screening of the Documentary Film and holding the mini exhibition cum sale will create awareness for preserving and promoting great heritage. 

Sesino Yhoshu from TakeOne Production House said that the documentary film ‘Where Cotton Flowers Grow’ focuses on four Khiamniungan women of Sanglao Village under Noklak District who are still keeping the craft alive. 

The Documentary Film is an initiative of Exotic Echo Society produced by TakeOne Production House and financially supported by the Department of Art& Culture with logistical support from the Noklak District Administration.