MSFDS to celebrate 'Ishanou', pleads public support
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 16 2024: Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) will celebrate milestone achievement in the illustrious journey of Manipuri Cinema, the first anniversary of the official selection of 'Ishanou' in the Cannes Classics at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in 2023 .

'Ishanou,' a celebrated 1990 feature film by Aribam Syam Sharma, originally debuted at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 1991 in the Un-Certain Regard section.

Thanks to a collaborative restoration project between MSFDS and Film Heritage Foundation, Mumbai, this cinematic gem has been revived, earning a rare distinction in the Cannes Classics with a restored version, said MSFDS in a release, adding that the film, a poignant exploration of love and loss within Manipuri culture, narrates the story of Tampha, who leaves her family to join the 'Maibi' sect of priestesses, driven by a spiritual calling.

The narrative juxtaposes the spiritual world of the 'Maibis' with the rhythm of everyday life, blending storytelling, documentary and ethnography with understated acting, delicate camerawork and traditional Manipuri music.

A must for all, especially youth and children to understand the sophisticated culture and traditions of Manipur, maintained the release, conveying that in a celebratory highlight, 'Ishanou' will be screened on May 18 in its original 35mm celluloid print for the final time.

The event marks a proud moment in the 50-year journey of Manipuri Cinema, which recently celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2021-22 .

The film's celluloid print will subsequently be preserved in the zero-degree-humidity controlled film vault of the SN Chand Cine Archive & Museum of MSFDS, it informed.

MSFDS mentioned that it is dedicating these anniversary screenings as a fundraiser to support the family of the late Irom Maipak, the only national awardee cinematographer of the state and member of the Manipuri film community who succumbed to COVID-19 after successfully battling the virus for 15 days.

The special screenings are scheduled for 3 pm and 5:30 pm, featuring a simple felicitation ceremony for the cast, crew, and the restoration team preceding the final show, it added.

MSFDS called on the public to support the noble cause by purchasing donor coupons, priced at Rs 1,000, Rs 500 and Rs 300 thereby joining in aiding Maipak's family and celebrating the legacy of Manipuri Cinema.

The Donor's coupons are available at the MSFDS Booking Counter from 8 am to 5 pm, it further informed.

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