IFFI celebrates 50 years of Manipuri cinema
Source: The Sangai Express
Panaji, November 23 2022:
Celebrating Golden Jubilee of Manipuri Cinema, screening of Manipur films has started at the ongoing 53rd edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) .
On the 4th day of the festival today, Manipuri films were screened at the Maquinez Palace-I with an introduction of Manipuri cinema by the festival director and managing director of NFDS, Ravinder Bhaskar.
The festival director paid rich tribute to the pioneers of Manipuri cinema who have inspired a generation of storytellers of not only Manipur but of the entire country.
The screening section was opened with fillms such as 'Ratan Thiyam, The Man of Theatre' directed by Oken Amakcham and 'Ishanou', directed by Aribam Syam Sharma.
Oken Amakcham and Kangabam Tomba Singh, who were present at the opening ceremony were felicitated with shawls and mementoes.
MSFDS officials, secretary Sunzu Bachaspatimayum and executive member and Film Forum Manipur chairman Laimayum Surjakanta Sharma were also felicitated before the screening of the two films.
Other feature films featuring in the special Manipuri cinema section include the first Manipuri film directed by a Manipuri "Brojendragee Luhongba" directed by SN Chand, "Loktak Lairembee" by Haobam Paban Kumar, first Manipuri 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 films, a Manipuri documentary film "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 including many filmmakers and critics.