Winners of 14th State Film Award announced
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 03 2022:
The winners of the much-awaited 14th Manipur State Film Award, 2022 were announced during a function held at the Preview Theatre of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Palace Compound here on Sunday.
Out of the total 15 entries in the feature film section, "Eikhoigi Yum" directed by Mayanglambam Romi Meitei and produced by both Chingshubam Sheetal and Romi Meitei was adjudged the Best Feature Film by a 7-member Jury Committee, chaired by renowned Filmmaker Oken Amakcham.
'Larei Lathup' directed by Ningthoujam Ojitbabu and produced by Chandam Yaima bagged the title for the Best Popular Film providing wholesome entertainment, while Bobby Haobam was named for the Best Direction award in the feature film section.
Interestingly, two actors including a third gender actor were adjudged winners of the Best Male Actor Award.
The winners are Ningthoujam Shilheiba (Dinesh) for the film 'Nungshi Lottery Phaorehe' and Bishesh Huirem (transgender) for the film 'Apaiba Leichil' .
Speaking on the occasion, jury Chairman Oken Amakcham broached for instituting a separate award category for actors of the third gender.
He pointed out that jury members experienced a conflict while deciding the Best Actors as a third gender character gave sterling performance, deserving the State Award for acting.
Pointing out that the third gender actor was made the joint winner of the Best Actor (Male) award, he drew attention of organisers for classifying the same as Best Actor (Third Gender).
In this regard, Art and Culture Department commissioner M Joy, who announced the winners of the State Film Awards, assured of looking into the possibility of instituting a separate award category for the third gender actors.
MSFDS secretary Sunzu Bachaspatimayum said that there were no entries for the newly introduced competition for music videos.
He stated that the organisers incorporated the award for the Best Music Video as it is a stepping stone for entering into the film world.
He opined that there were no entries as most music videos produced in the State do not obtain censorship certificates.
Nevertheless, he exuded confidence that music video directors and producers will obtain necessary censorship certificates and apply for the award in the future.
Meanwhile, Ningombam Biju is the winner of the Best Actor (Female) for the film 'Nungshi Keithel'.
As for the non-feature section, the Best Non-Feature Film was bagged by 'Ayekpasinggi Pukkei' directed by Debendra Thiyam and produced by Brojeshwori Maibam.
The film also won the awards for Best Film by a Debut Director, Best Audiographer, Best Music Direction and Best Voice Over or narration.
'Pabung Syam' directed by Haobam Paban Kumar and produced by Films Division, Mumbai won the Best Biographical Film.
The film also won the award for the Best Director.
The award for the Best Film on Social Issues was bagged by 'Beyond Blast', which was produced by Sushila Leima Konjengbam and directed by Ratan Saikhom.
Sonia Nepram's 'Bloody Phanek' was named the winner of Special Jury Award.
It may be mentioned here that the awards were announced as part of the first edition of 'Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival', which was inaugurated at MSFDS, Palace Compound on Saturday.
The 5-day non-competitive festival is being organised as part of the yearlong golden jubilee celebration of Manipuri Cinema.
The inaugural ceremony of the festival was attended by eminent Manipuri filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma, MSFDS secretary Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, Art and Culture commissioner M Joy; Directorate of Film Festivals deputy director Tami Rai; Assamese filmmaker Utpal Borpujari; Khasi filmmaker Pradip Kurban among other prominent figures.
Romi Meitei's award-winning film "Eikhoigi Yum" premiered as the opening film of the festival.
Prior to the screening, a contemporary dance performance, titled 'Meepao', which is a tribute to the pioneer filmmakers, and choreographed by Surjit Nongmeikapam was showcased.
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