Fresh frames, bold voices make mark in State Film Awards
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 26 2025: In an uplifting moment for Manipuri cinema, the 17th Manipur State Film Awards (MSFA) 2025 was held today at the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS).

The awards will be distributed at an opportune day later.

The ceremony celebrated the innovative and diverse voices of debutant filmmakers while paying tributes to one of the most prominent figures in Manipuri cinema-Dr Arambam Lokendra, an eminent scholar and cultural thinker, who was honoured with the prestigious MSFDS Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifelong commitment and contributions to the growth of Manipuri cinema.

The judges panel featured several esteemed figures from Manipur's film and cultural community, including Dilip Mayengbam, RK Jnanranjan, Bobo Khuraijam, Sharatchand Thiyam, and Bobby Wahengbam.

The Lifetime Achievement Award selection committee was led by M Joy Singh, Special Commissioner (Art & Culture).

The awards celebrated outstanding film achievements from 2024, with emerging filmmakers making a strong impression in the fiction category.

The prestigious Best Feature Film honour was awarded to Laangoi, helmed by first-time director Manoranjan Longjam who also took home the Best Director award, marking a remarkable debut for the filmmaker.

The Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment was awarded to first-time director Irel Luwang's Una Una.

Soma Laishram also received a Special Jury Mention for her outstanding performance in the film.

Priyankanta Laishram's Oneness received the Special Jury Award for its emotional yet bold storytelling.

Best Actor in a leading role, both male and female, were awarded to Suraj Ngasepam and Narmada Sougaijam respectively.

G Bonny Sharma and Maya Choudhary also got the Best Actor in supporting role, for male and female respectively.

Amongst the awardees, Ashangbam Netrajit was honoured with the Best Film Critic title recognising his efforts and contributions to the film industry.

In the non-feature and documentary section, The Legacy of 4 Generations, a documentary on legendary artist RKCS directed by Thiyam Debendra won the Special Jury Award while The Silent Performer, a short film by newcomer Huidrom Rakesh, received a Special Jury Mention.

The hosts expressed that the hallmark of the 17th MSFA 2025 stood out for its transparent and professional jury process, showcasing both credibility and deep cinematic knowledge while also underscoring how Manipuri cinema serves as both a cultural archive and social commentary.

They praised the emerging new directors and filmmakers for their devotion and creative finesse in Manipuri cinema.

One veteran remarked, "With such gifted newcomers, our film industry will keep on evolving in new directions while carrying the legacy of the industry" .

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