Free Screening of "Ishanou"
- Date: October 16, 2026 : Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) -

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Aribam Syam Sharma's masterpiece, "Ishanou" (1990) :: Pix - MSFDS

MSFDS to Organise Free Screening of “Ishanou” as part of Seva Sankalp 2026

As part of Seva Sankalp 2026 of the Government of India, the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), an autonomous undertaking under the Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur, will organise a free public screening of the internationally acclaimed Manipuri feature film “Ishanou (The Chosen One)”, directed by Aribam Syam Sharma and written by Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi, on Friday, 16 October 2026, at 3:30 pm at the Palace Auditorium.

Released in 1991, Ishanou is regarded as an important work of Manipuri cinema, particularly for its portrayal of the distinctive Maibi tradition and cultural life of Manipur.

It became the first film from Northeast India to be officially selected for the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes International Film Festival in 1992.

The film also gained renewed international recognition when its digitally restored version had its world premiere in the Cannes Classics section of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, bringing a landmark work of Manipuri cinema to a global audience.

The digitisation and restoration of Ishanou was undertaken through the efforts of MSFDS in collaboration with the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), Mumbai, and director Aribam Syam Sharma. The restoration represents an important milestone in the continuing efforts to preserve Manipur’s cinematic heritage and safeguard its films for future generations.

The public screening is intended not only to make this landmark work accessible to a wider audience but also to renew appreciation of Manipur’s rich cinematic and cultural heritage. MSFDS invites the public to attend the screening and experience this significant work of Manipuri cinema. Entry is free.

Secretary | MSFDS