The State witnessed a historic day with the beginning of first ever international film festival alongwith the congregation of dozens of national and international film stars on its soil here on Friday. The Jharkhand International Film Festival-2018 began in style with a cultural tinge of the State acknowledging the contribution of the sons-of-the-soil into the film industry and other walks of life.

Former Chief Minister and senior leader Arjun Munda graced the occasion as Chief Guest, as he inaugurated the event beating Jharkhand’s traditional drum ‘mander’ alongwith veteran actor Amol Palekar, Yashpal Sharma, Akhilendra Mishra, Sanjay Mishra, Iranian model and actress Leily Valipour, Spanish Actor-Prabhakar Sharan, Director KR Prasad from New York, Natelie, actress of Poland, Rajesh Jais and several other eminent personalities.

The Chief Guest and the eminent guests also lit the inaugural lamp as Welcome Committee Chairman and MD of The Pioneer, Ranchi Pawan Bajaj greeted everyone for their participation in the historic programme. Welcoming the national and international guests on the land of Jharkhand Bajaj said that it was really a matter of pride for the State that such a programme is taking place here. Since it was first such huge event in Jharkhand, he hoped that the shortcomings would be overlooked.

Addressing the audiences at Harivansh Tana Bhagat Indoor Stadium, Mega Sports Complex Khelgaon, Arjun Munda said that he felt happy and contented that such a momentous event was taking place at the venue, foundation of which was laid by him during his tenure as Chief Minister. “There are so many awards and felicitations being done for the artists here that I feel honoured by honouring them here,” he said.

Speaking in a lighter vein Munda said that he has always been used as a stop-gap arrangement whether for the post of CM or on other occasions but whenever he has been placed like that success has followed. Therefore, he said that the JIFF will also be a huge success. Munda also welcomed the guests and said that their presence in film festival was an honour to the State.

Earlier, the guests were welcomed by thumping drums and flutes with the folk dance by a team of tribal dancers. Also, a special dance by Vipul Nayak and his team and spectacular Manbhum Chhau Dance performance left the audiences mesmerized.

The Chief Guest and other eminent guests felicitated State film artists under different categories and praised their work. Also, the World Premier of the movie ‘Lohardaga’ was done on the occasion. Talents hunt for kids and workshops on film and television were also organised on the inaugural day of the three-day event.

On the second day apart from talent Hunt Programs for youth and budding filmmakers, Dance battle between Folk Dance forms of Jharkhand and other entertaining cultural events will be lined up on all different days. A Night Cricket Match between Bollywood Personalities and CS-11 of SKILL INDIA MISSION participants will be played followed by dinner.

Also a local sightseeing to different waterfalls and ancient temples will be organised for 200 delegates participating in Festival coming from different part of India and abroad.

On the concluding day of the Award Night will begin where Chief Guest will be Chief Minister Raghubar Das and Mahesh Bhatt, Guests of Honor will be Anupam Kher, Ramesh Sippy, Amol Palekar,  Kiran Juneja, Raj Kumar Gupta, Ravi Kishan, Gulshan Grover,  Sanjay Mishra, Yashpal Sharma, International Model Lin Laishram, Steffy Patel Miss India Jharkhand alongwith a number of celebrities will be present on the occasion.