IFFI 53 to celebrate 50 glorious years of Manipuri Cinema

#IFFIWood, 19 November 2022

Swati Bhat

Still from Ishanaou

Manipur- the ‘ Jewel city of India’, one of the eight sisters of North East will be the torch bearer for promotion of films from North East India at the 53rd edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

To mark the golden jubilee of Manipuri cinema, IFFI 53-Asia’s oldest film festival - will showcase Five Feature and five Non-Feature films, curated by Manipur State Film Development Society under Indian Panorama. Each year 9th April has been celebrated as the birth of Manipuri cinema since the first Manipuri feature film was released on 9th April 1972 named ‘Matamgi Manipur’, directed by Deb Kumar Bose.

With the screening of opening feature film Ishanaou directed by Padmashree award winning director Aribam Shyam Sharma, and Ratan Thiyam; The Man of Theater in Non-feature film section along with other films, the cinema enthusiast will get a taste of rich cultural heritage, fierce storytelling, dance, music, traditions and theaters from the state of Manipur.

Manipuri film pioneers like Aribam Shyam Sharma, Oken Amakcham, Nirmala Chanu, Borun Thokchom, Romi Meitei among others will mark their presence to celebrate the 50 years of aesthetic brilliance of Manipuri cinema during the 53rd Edition of IFFI, Goa.

Directed by Aribam Shyam Sharma, the film Ishanou revolves around a female protagonist named Tampha, her husband and her children. Their lives disrupted by a sudden change when Tampha leaves her family in search of the Maibi Guru whom she thinks has chosen her to be the matriarchal religious sect of Maibis.

Brojendragee Luhongba

Directed by S.N. Chand Sajati, Brojendra, a doctor, married a girl of his mother's choice but refused to look at her face even after marriage. Later, at a musical performance, he chances upon a beautiful girl and exchanges meaningful glances with her. He returned home guilt-ridden but he surprised to see the same girl as his wife.

Loktak Lairembee

A poetic gala, the film transports the meditative locals of Loktak Lake-the floating Lake of Manipur and accidental discovery of a weapon, a fisherman experiences a new confidence that soon lead into violence. Directed by Haobam Paban Kumar.

Phijigi Mani

Directed by Oinam Gautam, Yaiphabi - the women protagonist of Phijigi Mani -sets out on a mission to reunite her family. She tries to bridge the strained relationship between her parents and her brother, Sanajaoba who abandoned them. The film rides upon the past and present life of Yaiphabi evolving the socio-political scenario of Manipur.

The Tainted Minor

‘Chaoren’ the school going boy getting jealous of his friend Sana who is picked up by their football coach to be the team captain. Further, he indulged in a sinister act by giving Sana the chemical-sprayed vegetable to eat and Sana did not turned up the next day. The film is directed by Romi Meitei.

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Witness BTS of 53rd IFFI, Goa from the campus with Swati Bhat

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“Interactions within this mini-world congregating at Goa will facilitate deeper understanding and.."

The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has said that IFFI, the International Film Festival of India, promotes an invigorating synergy between delegates from different nations and societies, united by cinema. Describing IFFI as the biggest film festival of India, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that “the interactions within this mini-world congregating at Goa will facilitate deeper understanding and new learnings in the world of art”.

Swati Bhat

In his message, the Prime Minister observes that IFFI and Indian cinema have carved out a niche for themselves on the global stage. “Films in different Indian languages are reaching out to a larger international audience and are being increasingly appreciated across the world.”

The Prime Minister has also shared his thoughts on the role of cinema in both reflecting as well as shaping social dynamics. “For over a century now, cinema has captured the imagination of people the world over. Cinema reflects the social dynamics of our times as well as shapes it.”

The Prime Minister speaks also about the narrative power of films in bringing about social transformation and the rich history and art of storytelling in Indian languages. “Films have a unique ability to transcend barriers and establish an emotional connect with the audience. Movies entertain, educate or even inspire people through their powerful storytelling. Their efficacy in becoming a vehicle of social transformation is truly unparalleled. India is blessed with a rich and diverse culture, an amalgamation of tradition with the modern. The history and art of storytelling in various Indian languages ranging from prose, poetry, music, dance, plays, dramas to cinema, enables us to celebrate our vibrant socio-cultural landscape.”

The Prime Minister states that Goa is the perfect venue for the festival and that it will inspire festival delegates to come up with new ideas to enable cinema to reach an ever-expanding audience. “With its beautiful nature and vibrant culture, Goa provides the perfect backdrop to host the IFFI. I am sure that Goa will spur the creative imagination of the participants, inspiring them to come up with new ideas to help cinema expand its outreach to an ever-growing audience.”

The Prime Minister wishes the 53rd edition of IFFI to be a resounding success.

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