Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur arrived at Leh this afternoon. He was given a grand reception according to Ladakhi tradition at the Khushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport and was received by Chief Executive Councilor of Leh Hill Council and Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal. The Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the first-ever Himalayan Film Festival at Leh later in the day. During the five-day festival, 12 Himalayan States and Union Territories will screen films.<br />'' <br />''Mr Thakur also held a meeting with the BJP cadre in Ladakh BJP office in which he interacted with workers from different regions of Ladakh.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: black;">The 5-Day Film festival at Leh's Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra will screen movies from twelve Himalayan states and Union Territories.<br />''<br />''A Report<br />''<br />''As part of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', the first Himalayan Film Festival is being organised by Union Territory of Ladakh. The festival is to showcase the film making talent from all the Himalayan states and UTs. Festival begins with screening of Shersha while The Shepherdess of Glacier will be screened on the closing ceremony on 28th September.<br />''<br />''Popular films from Himalayan states besides selected Indian Panorama films will be screened on the main screen at Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra, Picture Time mini theatre, and in amphitheatre during the festival. Festival is being organised in collaboration with the Directorate of Film Festivals, Information and Broadcasting ministry and hosted by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh. Masterclasses and conversation sessions with renowned film personalities like Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Anupama Chopra, S Nallamuthu, Nila Mahtab Panda are also being organised during the festival.<br />''<br />''Short film competitions and documentaries for spotting talented filmmakers and to encourage fresh talents will also a part of the festival. After inaugurating the first Himalayan Film Festival, I&B Minister Anurag Thakur will participate in an. Interactive Session on Aspirational Ladakh at Amphitheatre in Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra.</span><br />