NEIFF-2025 concludes, 'Oitharei' best film
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, February 16 2025: The 2nd North East India Film Festival (NEIFF), 2025 Manipur, which began on February 12 at City Convention Centre, here, concluded at Library & Information Centre, Kakching on Sunday with cultural performances and awards ceremony.

The festival was jointly organised by THOUNA, Manipur in collaboration with Film Forum Manipur and Directorate of Information & Public Relations under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) .

The event featured an award ceremony wherein Manipuri feature film, "Oitharei" was declared the Best Feature Film, while Assamese film "Where Is My Home" secured the Best Non-Feature Film honour.

NEIFF-2025 concludes, 'Oitharei' best film

Citations and cash awards were presented to the winners.

"Oitharei" is produced by Gibanlata Thokchom and directed by Dinesh Naorem, while "Where is My Home" is produced by Samiran Deka and directed by Bhaskar Jyoti Das.

As chief guest of the event, Thongju MLA Th Biswajit said that cinema has long been a vital medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and social influence, and reflects society, acting as a mirror to our lives while uplifting and upholding traditional norms.

He noted that film serves as both entertainment and information, blending storytelling with information and education.

The MLA also acknowledged the role of local filmmakers in educating the younger generation about societal traditions.

He then stressed the importance of prioritising quality over quantity to produce meaningful, impactful, and effective films that resonate with audiences.

MLA Biswajit also voiced the need for a policy to ensure a systematic and structured approach to filmmaking.

Pointing out the diminishing emotional depth in modern films compared to older classics, he stressed the need to restore that emotional touch to create more impactful and relatable storytelling experiences.

Attending the event as the functional president, IPR and Art & Culture commissioner M Joy Singh highlighted that filmmaking requires collaborative effort of various groups, including crew members, lyricist to ensure an impactful cinematic experience.

He maintained that theatre and film, though both powerful storytelling mediums, differ in their approach and execution.

He encouraged filmmakers and artistes to strive for excellence, pushing their creative boundaries so as to produce high-quality, impactful films that resonate with audiences.

Joy also asserted that films not only document history but also convey meaningful messages, ensuring that lessons and values are passed down to future generations.

The commissioner expressed hope that festivals like NEIFF will continue to be organised in the years to come, further strengthening the bond among the north eastern states and promoting cultural integration.

Speaking on the occasion as the guest of honour, Kakching MLA M Rameshwar Singh stressed the need to focus on positive and progressive storytelling to bring positive societal change, and urged filmmakers to prioritise authenticity while ensuring economic viability of their projects.

Wangkhei MLA Th Arunkumar, who also attended the valedictory programme as a guest of honour, described film as the easiest medium for conveying messages to the public while also serving as a source of entertainment.

He further highlighted the challenges faced by the film industry, including insufficient budgets, lack of funding, and low income.

Acknowledging the role of film in preserving and teaching culture and traditions passed down by forefathers, the MLA stressed the significance of film exchange as a means of learning about the unique cultures of other states.

FFM chairman & Festival director L Surjakanta Sharma, film makers Oken Amakcham, Bobby Wahengbam and O Gautam, actors, delegates and many from the film fraternity also took part in the event.

The festival, spanning five days, featured a total of 28 films including six from Assamese, which were screened at City Convention Centre, Imphal; Tanthapolis Cinema, Lamphel; and Library and Information Centre, Kakching.

Out of the 28 films, 10 were selected for the various award categories.

Apart from "Oitharei" and "Where is My Home", "Amateurs" (Assamese) directed by Dhiraj Kashyap won Best Direction.

Binoranjan Oinam won Best Screenplay for "Langdai Ama" (Manipuri); Tarun Wang Best Editing for "Laangoi"; Joy Mekola Best Cinematography for "Oitharei"; Debajit Ghayan Best Sound for "Baghjan" (Assam); actor Narmada Special Jury Award for "Sunita"; Special Mention (Non Feature Film) Award to "The Legacy of 4 Generations"; and Special Mention (Feature Film) Award to "Sunita" .