Screening of Manipuri films begins at 53rd IFFI
Source: Chronicle News Service / Bony Thongamcha
Panjim, November 23 2022:
Screening of Manipuri films in the special Manipuri cinema section of the 53rd edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) began on the 4th day of the festival on Wednesday.
The special Manipuri cinema section titled 'Golden Jubilee of Manipuri Cinema' at Maquinez Palace-I was introduced by festival director and NFDS managing director Ravinder Bhaskar, who paid rich tribute to the pioneers of Manipuri cinema.
The section was opened with the screening of the film 'Ratan Thiyam the Man of Theatre' directed by Oken Amakcham and 'Ishanou' directed by Aribam Syam Sharma.
Oken Amakcham and Kangabam Tomba Singh, the male protagonists in 'Ishanou' were felicitated with presentation of a shawl and a memento each.
MSFDS officials including secretary Sunzu Bachaspatimayum and executive member, and Film Forum Manipur chairman Laimayum Surjakanta Sharma were also felicitated before screening of the two films.
Other feature films featuring in the special Manipuri cinema section of the 53rd IFFI include the first film directed by a Manipuri 'Brojendragee Luhongba' directed by SN Chand, 'Loktak Lairembee' by Haobam Paban Kumar, first Manipuri feature film 'Matamgi Manipur' directed by Debkumar Bose and 'Phijigi Mani' directed by Oinam Gautam.
In the non-feature category, films such as 'Ilisha Amagi Mahao' directed by Ningthouja Lancha, 'Look at the Sky' directed by Ashok Veilou, 'The Silent Poet' directed by Borun Thokchom and 'The Tainted Mirror' directed by Romi Meitei will be screened in the coming days.
Prior to the screening of Manipuri documentary films, 'Beyond Blast' directed by Saikhom Ratan was screened at INOX, Panaji.
Director Saikhom Ratan and producer Konjengbam Sushila Leima of the film were honoured ahead of the screening.
Notably, this year's edition of IFFI also recorded the highest number of delegates from Manipur, over 20 in number, with many film makers, critics, officials coming for the film extravaganza.
Meanwhile, hectic schedules and numerous venues and events caused inconvenience to visitors at the ongoing film festival.