Altyn International Film Festival
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 06 2024: Acclaimed Manipuri filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar is set to take center stage at the 20th Altyn Minbar Karan International Film Festival, with two of his narrative features, Joseph's Son and Nine Hills One Valley, selected for screening.

The Altyn Minbar Karan International Film Festival, held from September 6 to 11 in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia, is known for its focus on cultural dialogue and human values. In this event, Joseph's Son will compete for the main awards in the competition section, while Nine Hills One Valley will be featured in the non-competition section under the category, "The Fate of Indian Tribes" .

Both films delve into the complexities of Manipur's multi-ethnic society, presenting narratives that resonate deeply with the struggles and hopes of the people, said a press release issued by Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) .

The selection of Joseph's Son and Nine Hills, One Valley for the Altyn Minbar Karan International Film Festival is not just a triumph for Haobam Paban Kumar but a proud moment for Manipur.

These films will bring the stories of Manipur to a global audience, offering insight into a region often overshadowed by mainstream narratives.

The Karan Festival, which started in 2005, has become a significant cultural event, drawing filmmakers and cinephiles from around the world.

Its focus on human relationships, family values, traditions, and moral issues aligns perfectly with the themes explored in Haobam Paban Kumar's work, it said.

Reflecting on his latest projects, Haobam describes them as personal explorations of the complex identity politics and discord that define life in Manipur.

"These films are my journey of grappling with the inherent dilemmas of being born in a place absorbed with the conflicting dynamics of a multi-ethnic society," Paban Kumar explains.

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