MSFDS to celebrate first anniversary of Ishanou's selection at Cannes
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 16 2024: The Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) is set to celebrate 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 directed by Aribam Syam Sharma, originally debuted at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 1991 in the Un Certain Regard section, said MSFDS in a statement.

The Film Society said that "Ishanou" will be screened on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in its original 35mm celluloid print for the final time and the event marks a proud moment in the 50-year journey of Manipuri cinema, which recently celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2021-22 .

MSFDS to celebrate first anniversary of Ishanou's selection at Cannes

The MSFDS continued that they are holding the anniversary screenings as a fundraiser to support the family of Late Irom Maipak, the only National awardee cinematographer from the State and a beloved member of the Manipuri film community who succumbed to COVID-19 .

Tragically, Maipak died due to negligence in ensuring oxygen supply after being moved out of the COVID-19 ICU following a negative test result, MFSDS claimed.

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.

The 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's booking counter from 8 am to 5 pm, it added.

"Thanks to a collaborative restoration project by MSFDS and the Film Heritage Foundation, Mumbai, this cinematic gem has been revived, earning a rare distinction in the Cannes Classics with a restored version," it said.

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 Maibis with the rhythm of everyday life, blending storytelling, documentary, and ethnography with understated acting, delicate camerawork, and traditional Manipuri music, MSFDS said and added that Ishanou highlights the sophisticated culture and traditions of Manipur.