Manipur is banking on an international film festival to rebuild its image sullied by months of ethnic conflict.
The State’s capital Imphal is scheduled to host the second edition of the Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival from February 6 to 9. The biennial event started in April 2022 but could not be held in 2024 due to the conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities since May 2023.
The Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) and the Manipur State Film and Television Institute are the organisers of the film festival, designed to position the State as a strategic hub for independent film-making.
“We could not hold the festival last year owing to the ethnic violence that affected the image of our State. We thought it is time to rebuild our image through cinema, an extension of our rich storytelling tradition,” the festival’s director and MSFDS secretary, Sunzu Bachaspatimayum said.
Manipur has been relatively peaceful for more than two months.
He said the 54 films, including 38 foreign, would be screened during the three-day festival. The film packages include International Competition, World Lenses, Northeast Currents, Eikhoigi Classics, Eikhoigi Montage, Remastered Manipuri Cinema: The Light of Manipuri, and Manipuri Matinee.
“More than 50 guests, including filmmakers and film producers from the metropolises will attend the festival. Many foreign filmmakers and film critics intended to come but we could not invite them as we did not get the political clearance in time,” Mr. Bachaspatimayum said.
A highlight of the festival is a memento featuring the Manipuri pony symbolising the enduring spirit of cinema and the artistic resilience in the State.
“The design was inspired by the relentless energy of both the film industry and the Manipuri pony. The memento is aimed at spotlighting the need to conserve this endangered indigenous breed associated with the birth of polo,” said artist Robin Wahengbam, the creator of the memento.
Published – February 04, 2025 11:37 am IST
