NEW DELHI: The Naga Scholars Association (NSA) it organised a screening of A Sacred Place (2026), a documentary by Prof. Dolly Kikon, at Nagaland House, R.K. Puram, New Delhi, on September 15.
The programme brought together academicians, scholars, students, activists, student leaders, representatives of Naga organisations and members of the wider community. Prof. Kikon attended the screening and participated in an interactive discussion following the film.
The programme began with a welcome address and introduction to the film by NSA president Dr. Kharingpam Ahum Chahongnao and executive secretary Akishe Jakha. Dr. Chahongnao highlighted Kikon’s scholarly and creative engagement with indigenous histories, cultural practices, knowledge systems, memory and landscape.
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A Sacred Place focuses on the sacred landscape of Makhel village in northern Manipur, exploring its historical and cultural significance and its association with narratives of migration, dispersal and ancestral movement among several Naga communities.
Through villagers’ testimonies and narratives, the documentary explores sacred stones, landscape spirits, historical narratives, mythologies and belief systems. It also examines the community’s relationship with an ancient saltwater spring and the challenges of preserving sacred and culturally significant spaces amid modernisation and development.
The post-screening discussion was moderated by Nzanmongi (Jasmine) Patton, associate professor at Gargi College, University of Delhi. The discussion examined indigenous epistemology, spatiality, knowledge production, documentary methodology and the politics of representation. Participants also raised questions about narrative selection, the filmmaker’s role and the balance between romanticisation and authenticity in representations of indigenous societies.
Responding to the discussion, Prof. Kikon said indigenous knowledge should not be viewed as a static historical archive but as living, relational and continuously evolving. She noted that such knowledge is embedded not only in written records but also in songs, poems, oral traditions, land, landscapes, the environment and everyday practices.
She also emphasised the ethical responsibility of researchers and filmmakers to respect community spaces and obtain consent before documenting people’s stories, images and experiences. She stressed the importance of explaining to communities the nature, purpose and intended use of such documentation.
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The nearly hour-long interaction also touched on narrative framing and the choices involved in documentary-making. Prof. Kikon spoke about the distinctive possibilities of visual storytelling and said she deliberately avoided imposing an external voiceover, allowing villagers themselves to narrate their experiences. The participation of younger and older community members brought intergenerational perspectives into the film.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by NSA general secretary Dr. Apila Sangtam.
Disclaimer: This information has been provided to Ukhrul Times by the Naga Scholars Association (NSA) for publication.
