2nd IISFF opens with Japanese film 'Cello'
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, March 23 2013 :
Recognized as a major film event in North East India, the 2nd Imphal International Short Film Festival (IISFF) has kick-started from today at the Hall of College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Iroishemba along with screening of the Japanese film, 'Cello' .
Being organized under the joint aegis of Legend Studio, Manipur and Action for Social Advancement (ASA), Manipur with the support of Film Forum Manipur, the 2nd IISFF has proved to be a crowd puller on the inaugural day itself with the presence of Junichi Kajioka, a London-based Japanese actor who has acted in a number of Hollywood films, as Guest of Honour of the function.
Junichi is also main protagonist in the much hyped Manipuri film, "My Japanese Niece", to be directed by Mohen Naorem, who is the Festival Director of 2nd IISFF, 2013 .
The inaugural function of the film festival was also attended by KR Chethallur, President of Insight the Creative Group, Palakkad, Keralam and Naorem Iboton, Dean of College of Agriculture, CAU, Imphal as Chief Guest and President respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohen Naorem said that the second edition of IISFF is a giant leap from the first edition during which only 44 films were screened.
This time, altogether 200 entries from across the globe including 47 films from Japan, 17 from Korea, 10 from Spain and three from Argentina have been received out of which 150 films have been officially selected for the festival.
However, out of the 150 films shortlisted films, there would be public screening for 80 films only.
In the regional category, there are 55 entries, among which 24 are in Hindi, 10 are in Bengali, another 10 in English, three are in Marathi and two Manipuri films.
The shortlisted Hindi films would not be screened for public since there is prohibition of screening Hindi films in the State by certain UG groups.
But they would be screened for the panel judges, he added.
Speaking as the Chief Guest of the inaugural function, KR Chethallur pointed out the need to have film teachers in the State to get a better hold on the idea of film making and also to understand the grammar of drama.
Although Junichi Kajioka did not spoke much on the occasion, his few words in Manipuri languages like 'khurumjari' and 'Thagatchari' attracted huge applause from the gathering.
The opening film of the festival - 'Cello', is a short film in Japanese starring Junichi Kajioka himself.
The film is about two brothers who decide to meet at London after many years of separation.
On the way younger brother Yoshi died during nuclear meltdowns from a power plant at Fukushima.
Older brother Hirosawa experiences a personal visit from his death brother, Yoshi and the two embark on a peculiar journey in which Hirosawa comes to terms with abandoning of his younger brother and the consequent guilt.
As they journey progresses, Hirosawa realizes that the life he has led and the material possession as well as the social status he was striving for since abandoning Yoshi are insignificant.