Asufii Christian Institute (ACI) in Mao hosted the world premiere of documentary film “A Sacred Place,” directed and produced by Naga anthropologist Dolly Kikon, on April 18.

The premiere was held in Mao to honour the invaluable contributions of local storytellers and custodians of land and tradition, underscoring the importance of ethical research and local sensibilities.

The event brought together members of the Mao Naga community across generations to reflect on and celebrate their cultural heritage and traditional knowledge amid rapid socio-economic and ecological change. The attendees included storytellers from Makhel village and representatives from Mao Council, Mao Naga Women Association, Mao Students Union, Makhel Village Council, Makhel Women Society, Robvena Union, Robvena Women Society, Punanamei Village Council, Punanamei Women Society, Punanamei Youth & Students, Chowainu Village Council, Chowainu Youth & Students and Chowainu Women Society.

The post-screening discussion was led by Kaisa Pfoze, an award-winning Mao Naga filmmaker recognized for her work “Sunset Years.” Pfoze situated the film within the broader framework of indigenous storytelling, visual ethnography and community memory.