Seven Manipuri films you must watch
The Manipur film industry is a flourishing one. With 90-100 films made in a year, the industry has reached a milestone to achieving the best in the region. Compiling a list of the best Manipuri films is a daunting task indeed, if not exhausting. Nonetheless, here is a list of some of the best films the state has produced in terms of popularity and box-office hits.
1. ISHANOU– Ishanou or 'The Chosen One' is a 1990 Manipuri film. Directed by the acclaimed Aribam Syam Sharma, Ishanou is one of the most popular Manipuri films. Written by the late Manipuri princess and writer, M. K. Binodini Devi, the movie won accolades and was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 1991 Cannes Film Festival- the first ever film selected from the Northeast showcased at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. The 91 minute film tells the tale of a young wife who begins to experience unexplained series of fits and visions. She then goes in search of Meibi Guru whom she believes has chosen her and thereof, her devotion towards it through dance and music.
(Pic: Aribam Syam Sharma)
2. MATAMGI MANIPUR– Literally meaning 'The Times of Manipur', this 1972 film is the first ever Manipuri film. Released as a black and white 35 mm celluloid film and starring Yengkhom Roma and G. Ravindra Sharma, the film was directed by Debkumar Bose and written by Arambam Samendra. This family drama eventually won the president's Medal in 20th National Film Festival in 1972 and classical Manipuri dancer, Elam Indira won the prestigious "Nritya Rani-Indira" national Film Award 1975, for her performance in this feature film.
3. IMAGI NINGTHEM- Directed by Aribam Syam Sharma and scripted by M.K. Binodini, Imagi Ningthem (My Son, My Precious), is a 1981 feature film that revolves around the story of the relationship between a teacher and a boy and the consequences of the two families. This is Aribam Syam Sharma's fourth movie as a director. Imagi Ningthem ultimately brought Syam Sharma international recognition when the movie received the Golden Montgolfiere in the Nantes film Festival, France in 1982- the first Indian film to have won such an award. and National Award for Best Child Actor (Master Leikhendra). The film was also screened at several international film festivals. The film even found special mention in The Guardian, London (Jabuary 29, 1982)- "…..The biggest surprise of all was My Son, My Precious from the little state of Manipur, which produces about six films a year as compared to Bombay's 250 or moew, Made by Aribam Shyam Sharma on film stock that looked as if it had been rescued from a rubbish tip, its story of a little boy pulled hither and thither by family conflict was acted with a natural pace that belied all its technical shortcoming……."
(Pic: Aribam Syam Sharma)
4. WANGMADASU– This Aribam Syam Sharma movie won the National Award. Starring Kangabam Tomba, Yengkhom Roma and Rashi, Keshoram, so popular was the movie that it is believed to have surpassed the Bollywood super-hit movie, Sholay in Manipur.
5. SANA KEITHEL– Edited and directed by the renowned Manipuri filmmaker and national awardee, MA Singh, who passed away on 9th March 2013, this 1984 film went on to bag the prestigious National Film Award with President's Medal in the 31st National Film Festival in 1984 as the Best feature film in Manipuri. MA Singh is the first Manipuri to be technically trained in film craft at the prestigious national film and television Institute of India, FTII, Pune. His movie, Sana Keithel (or Golden Maket) was showcased at IFFI 2014 celebrating the glory of Indian cinema.
6. AFSPA-1958– A documentary film scripted and directed by Haobam Pebam Kumar, AFSPA-1958 was awarded International Fipresci Critics Jury Award (MIFF 2006), International Jury Award (MIFF 2006), The Jury Prize (10th Ismailia International Film Festival 2006), A.C.T. Award to AFSPA 1958 for the Best Film that deals with women problems, subjects, concerns and rights in the official competition of the 10th Ismailia International Film Festival 2006, Documentary Award (6th KARA International Film Festival, 2007, Pakistan), awarded the Swarna Kamal for the Best Non-Feature Film in the 56th National Film Awards for the year 2008. The film tells the tale of everyday lives of the people in Manipur post the Manorama Devi- AFSPA incident. The angst, the pain, the insecurities and life in general are captured well in this documentary.
7. SHINGNABA(Challenge)- Shingnaba is an inspiring tale of an HIV positive person who dramatically transforms his life and becomes a champion body builder. Shingnaba or Challenge won the best adventure/sport film award. Manipur's noted film critic RK Bidur bagged the best critic award.
