Three non-feature film from Manipur win national film awards
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, May 19 2011: Three non-feature films of Manipuri filmmakers were among the awardees of the 58th National Film Awards which was announced in New Delhi today.

The three films are Songs of Mashangva (Tangkhul, Manipuri & English), Heart to Heart (Manipuri & English) and The Zeliangrongs (Manipuri & English) .

The Songs of Mashangva produced and directed by Oinam Doren was chosen for best Ethnographic award which consist of the Rajat Kamal plaque and ' 50,000 .

Announcing the award the jury observed a foray into the complex and layered life of a 'song' and all that it carries within it for a community.

It inquires into the shared critical history of a community in the specific context of an overarching missionary presence and how it has affected their lives.

The jury appreciated the courageous, yet poetic exploration of the subject from the ethnographic perspective.

The jury chose Heart to Heart as the best science and technology film which also consists of a Rajat Kamal plaque and ' 50,000.The film was produced by the Rotary Club of Imphal and directed by Bachaspatimayum Sanju.

A very well constructed realism with an engaging dramatic sensibility depicting the grimness of natural health maladies charaterising the film attracted the jury members.

The jury observed it guides the viewer through emotions and the playful spirit of a child.

With the help of medical science, it enlightens the viewer with awareness of Congenital Heart Defects and its promising treatment.

The Zeliangrongs directed by Ronel Haobam was among films selected for Special Mention award.

The well researched endeavour to reflect a composite group of ethnic communities of common origin and socio-cultural back-ground, which highlights the rich cultural heritage and the tribes' traditional way of life caught the attention of the jury.

The award was announced after the jury members met Information & Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni and submitted her the list of awardees.

The Feature Films Jury was headed by JP Dutta and the Non-Feature Films Jury was headed by AK Bir and Best Writing on Cinema Jury was headed by Ashok Vajpeyi.

Malayalam film Adaminte Makan Abu (Abu, son of Adam), a simple yet evocative narrative of a man's pursuit of religion, was adjudged the best feature film and its star Salim Kumar shared the best actor honour with Tamil star Dhanush.

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