MUMBAI: After 11 years, Manipuri cinema has re-entered with Makhonmani Mongsaba ‘s film Yenning Amadi Likla into the feature film section of the Indian Panorama of the International Festival of India (IFFI) 2007. The last Manipuri film, which entered this section of Indian Panorama of IFFI was Shyam Sharma’s Sanabi (The Frey mare) in 1996.
Mongsaba ‘s 154-minute film is among 21 selected feature films. Aribam Syam Sharma’s 58-minute documentary Rajarshi Bhagyachandra of Manipur and Haobam Paban Kumar’s 19-minute short fiction film Ngaihak Lambida (Along the way) are among 15 selected non-feature films. Selections were made out of 119 feature films and 149 non-feature films.
Yenning Amadi likla is a story of a nature loving child who was neglected by his parents. The film made in 16mm and blown up in 35mm and is produced by six ladies namely Umarani, Saroja, Santibala, Ibemhal, Sunitibala and Victoria. Moirangthem Inao has penned the story.
Ngaihak Lambida produced by the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata was made in 35mm. The film scripted by MK Binodini is about the story of a woman who searches for freedom.
Rajyashree Bhagyachandra of Manipur is made in English and produced by Films Division, Mumbai. The film, scripted by MK Binodini and Syam Sharma, is all about the story of Bhagyachandra who was one of the greatest Vaishnava kings of Manipur. A versatile person of immense qualities, he was an expert strategist who wielded his sword to defend his land and people, and yet an artistic genius of divine sensibilities who gave the world the classical dance of Manipuri Ras.
A list of 21 feature films and 15 non-feature films have been selected for the Indian Panorama of the International Festival of India 2007 to be held in Goa from 23 November to 3 December, 2007.
Manipur is basically producing video films. Manipur could not produce any feature films for the last many years. According to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), no Manipuri feature film was produced in the year 2006. In place of it, 62 Manipuri video films were produced during the year as per the record of CBFC.
