2nd NEIFF 2025 kicks off : Cinematic brilliance of NE to be showcased
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 12 2025: The 2nd North East India Film Festival (NEIFF) 2025 was opened at City Convention Centre here today.

The five-day festival is being organised by Thouna, Film Forum Manipur and DIPR under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and NFDC.

Altogether 28 films would be screened during the festival.

Already eight feature films and two non-feature films have been selected for the competition section.

Moreover, 18 other films would be screened in the non-competition section under the banner NEIFF Spectrum.

The opening ceremony held at City Convention Centre this afternoon was graced by Manipur University VC Prof N Lokendra, Loktak Development Authority (LDA) Chairman M Asnikumar and Dhanamanjuri Community College Director Prof L Hemchandra as presidium members.

2nd NEIFF 2025 kicks off

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prof N Lokendra exuded confidence that the festival will successfully highlight the rich cultures, traditions and cinematic brilliance of the North Eastern States.

Apart from bringing cultural unity, the festival will give an impetus to the growing film industry in the North East region, Prof Lokendra said.

The festival would also serve as a platform for talented filmmakers of their region to showcase their outstanding artistic and technical achievements, he said.

He also noted that many films produced by filmmakers from North East India have won many awards in National and international film festivals.

The North East region has the potential to become an entertainment powerhouse if there are adequate infrastructure, resource and distribution networks, the Vice Chancellor said.

Notably, feature films Amateurs (Assamese), Baghjan (Assamese, Moran), Laangoi (Manipuri), Langdai Ama (Manipuri), Oitharei (Manipuri), Oneness (Manipuri), Sunita (Manipuri) and Una Una (Manipuri) have been selected for the festival's competition section.

Non-feature films The Legacy of 4 Generations (Manipuri) and Where is My Home (Assamese) too have been selected for the competition section.

Moreover, 18 feature and non-feature films would be screened in the NEIFF Spectrum section.

The films would be screened at City Convention Centre (opening day), Tanthapolis and Library & Information Centre, Kakching.

Masterclasses would be held at DIPR auditorium as a part of the festival.

Prof L Hemchandra said that Mass Communication and Multimedia Technology is one of the many courses offered at DM Community College.

It is a three-year programme in which entry and exit can be done as per the NEP, he said.

The programme includes classes on editing, cinematography and script writing, Prof Hemchandra said.

Film is a powerful medium through which one can express his/her feelings, tradition, culture and civilization.

Hollywood, Indian cinemas and Manipuri cinemas have their own unique tastes, he said.

M Asnikumar said that Manipuri cinema has a rich legacy and its impact on the society is substantial.

Manipuri cinema has been taking a big role in promoting Manipuri culture, traditions, language and also in addressing social ills, he said.

He also highlighted the importance of collective efforts of all stakeholders to promote the Manipuri film industry.

Students and teachers of JN Manipur Dance Academy presented a cultural item as a part of the opening ceremony and enthralled the audience.

A film titled "Mareibak Ningba Herachandra" was also screened.