2nd EIIFF concludes; awards for Myanmar, Bhutan films
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 09 2025: The 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival (EIIFF)-2O25 ended on Sunday with 'MA-Cry of Silence' (Myanmar), directed by The Maw Naing, winning the Best Fiction Feature Award and 'Agent of Happiness' (Bhutan), directed by Arun Bhattarai and Dorottya Zurbo, taking the Best Non-Fiction Feature Award.

The closing function of the festival organised by Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) and Manipur State Film and Television Institute (MSFTI) in collaboration with Film Forum, Manipur, was held at City Convention Centre, Palace Gate with international competition juries Sushant Mishra and Supriyo Sen along with Fipresci-India chapter member Ashok Rane as the presidiurp members.

2nd EIIFF concludes; awards for Myanmar, Bhutan films

The event concluded with a cultural show and presentation of various awards.

On winning the Best Fiction Feature Award, which carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, 'MA-Cry of Silence' director The Maw Naing expressed his heartfelt gratitude in a video message to the jury members of the EIIFF-2025 for honouring him with the award.

He extended his appreciation to the dedicated crew members who brought the film to life, acknowledging their unwavering commitment despite the hardships they faced.

Reflecting on the journey, he shared that the film was created during a challenging time in Myanmar, making this recognition even more meaningful.

The Maw Naing's film portrays the poignant and powerful tale of the exploitation of young female textile workers in Myanmar post the 2021 coup d'etat.

Best Non-Fiction Feature Award winning film 'Agent of Happiness' beautifully delves into Bhutan's efforts to measure well-being beyond economic growth, capturing both the promise and paradox of happiness.

The jury praised its warmth, humour, and deeply human storytelling, awarding it a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh.

The Most Promising Project Fiction (Rs 1 lakh) was awarded to 'The Scent of Mother' by screenwriter and director Pramoda Nandeibam; Emerging Talent-Non-Fiction (Rs 1 lakh) to 'Eche Tombi - The Brewer of Andro' by directors Andy Tourangbam & Thokchom Nelson; Emerging Talent - Fiction (Rs 1 lakh) to 'Khei-Hea (Night & Day)' by screenwriter and director Ashok Veilou; The Best Pitch - Fiction (Rs 3 lakh) to 'The Scent of the Ripening Field' by screenwriter and director Alexander Leo Pou and The Best Pitch - Non-Fiction (Rs 2 lakh) to 'Bedapati's Songs' by director Borun Thokchom.