Imtiaz Ali, the acclaimed Indian filmmaker, said he has come to Sikkim to explore shooting opportunities and praised the state’s scenic beauty, cultural richness and filmmaking potential while attending the opening events of the Sikkim International Film Festival (SIFF) 2026 in Gangtok. Speaking at a red carpet event at West Point Mall on Thursday evening, Ali described Sikkim as the “crown of all Himalayan States in the country” and expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with local and international artists on future projects.
“It took me a long time to reach here. It is culturally fascinating, and the fashion people follow here is remarkable. Sikkim reflects a unique mix of communities and traditions, making it a vibrant and inspiring place,” Ali said, highlighting the state’s diverse locations and abundant local talent. He also pointed to the strong musical culture across the Northeast, saying creative talent is “visible everywhere in the region.”
Ali congratulated the IPR department and other concerned agencies, under Chief Minister P.S. Golay’s leadership, for creating SIFF as a platform for filmmakers and artists to interact and collaborate. “I have come with a clear conscience and intent to explore opportunities for shooting and filming in Sikkim,” he added.
At the same event, former bureaucrat and water-conservation expert Sarika Pradhan detailed Sikkim’s Dhara Vikas programme, which began in 2008 as a response to water scarcity in rural areas-especially in South and West Sikkim, where nearly 80 percent of people depend on spring water. Pradhan explained that the project captures monsoon surface runoff to allow percolation and recharge of springs, combining scientific methods with strong community participation and a “learning by doing” approach.
Pradhan said the programme began showing results around 2011–12 and was later validated by an impact study from the Indian Institute of Science. Its success has led to replication in other Indian states, including Himachal Pradesh, and in neighbouring countries such as Bhutan and Nepal. She noted that Dhara Vikas played a role in shaping national policy through NITI Aayog, was implemented under MGNREGA with coordination among multiple government departments and NGOs including ACWADAM and Arghyam, received the SKOCH Award in 2018, and was showcased at COP24.
Reiterating the importance of water conservation, Ali warned that water security often lacks mainstream attention and stressed that water is essential to both life and creativity: “Without water, neither life nor cinema can exist.” A special masterclass with Imtiaz Ali was also held at PVR Inox, West Point, on the first day of SIFF.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/i-have-come-to-explore-opportunities-for-shooting-in-sikkimimtiaz-ali
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date:
