Ilisa Amagi Mahao draws curtains on IFFI
Source: The Sangai Express
Panaji, November 28 2022:
The 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2022 ended today with the screening of 'Ilisa Amagi Mahao' directed by Ningthouja Lancha and 'Loktak Lairembi' directed by Haobam Paban Kumar at INOX, Panaji.
Notably, the IFFI 2022 had organised a special section celebrating 50 years of Manipuri Cinema.
As many as 10 Manipuri films including five feature and five nonfeatures were screened at the prestigious international film festival.
Acknowledging the 53rd IFFI's recognition of Manipuri Cinema's golden journey, noted filmmaker Ningthouja Lancha said that the way forward for Manipuri Cinema is to put maximum efforts to enable it join the film movement across the globe.
In other words, Manipuri Cinema must be able to occupy a place in world cinema, he said.
Manipuri Cinema being featured in the 53rd IFFI was special, he said and maintained that it was a new beginning of a film movement in Manipur.
"Manipuri films have a small audience, yet it is being given due recognition at an international level.
We are extremely grateful for this and we feel proud.
This will become a parameter and encourage Manipuri filmmakers to make films for a wider audience and global appeal instead of confining to the small audience at home," he said.
Loktak Lairembi director, Haobam Paban Kumar said that featuring Manipuri Cinema at big movie theatres in the IFFI has courted attention and raised the need for reviving movie theatres in Manipur as well.
Paban also expressed gratitude to the National Film Development Corporation and MSFDS (Manipur State Films Development Society) for giving Manipuri Cinema a platform.
He added that he felt good as his film 'Loktak Lairembee' was screened for wider audiences.
Meanwhile, filmmaker and editor Oinam Gautam recounted that earlier Manipuri Cinema was featured at such an event only when they were selected for Indian Panorama or in the North East section.
"The IFFI organising a special section for Manipuri Cinema this year has inspired us to produce and make more good films," he said.
Noted film director Romi Meitei stated that the special Manipuri Cinema section featured in the IFFI was overwhelming.
"It makes me wonder whether what Manipuri Cinema has done in the last 50 years is enough or whether what we, as filmmakers, contributed to its growth is enough.
All in all, we are extremely proud of Manipuri Cinema," he added.
Meanwhile, the gala closing ceremony of the festival was held at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium with much jubilation.
"Perfect Number" directed by Krzystof Zannusi from Poland was the closing film of the festival.