Manipur set to host 2nd International Film Festival, showcasing 57 films across four venues

Manipur State Film Development Society is gearing up for the much-awaited second edition of the international film festival, ‘Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival (EIIFF)’ scheduled to be held from February 6 to 9 in Imphal. 

The four-day-long festival will be organised in collaboration with Manipur State Film and Television Institute (MSFTI) and Film Forum Manipur. 

Addressing the media, the Festival Director of EIIFF, Sunzu Bachaspatimayum who is also secretary of secretary of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) announced that second edition of EIIFF will be held from February 6 to 9 with the target to screen as many as 57 films. 

The opening ceremony of the event will mark by screening with digitised and restored Manipuri film, Ishanou, the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2023.

Sunzu stated the main objective of organising the festival is to upgrade the quality and standard of Manipuri film building connection with national and international film fraternity. The festival will showcase regional, competitive, and classic cinema. Above this, panel discussions and masterclasses will be conducted so that anyone who want to pursue film as career can excel their ideas and understanding.  

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He said that the this is the first time the festival is set to take place in four venues as 57 films will screen including international titles. The selected venues are the Palace Auditorium of MSFDS, the City Convention Center, Tanthapolis Cinema in Lamphel Sanakeithel, and Kumecs Cinema in Kakwa. There will be section called World Lens which showcase world class film, and collection of Manipur film produced from 2021-2024 will be screened. 

Highlighting the competitive section of the festival, h said that apart from film screening, there will be a competitive section in both national and international film. In the fiction category, eleven films (seven are international and remaining national) will be competing for top honour carrying cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. In the documentary section, there is an entry of 10 film for competition and the award money is Rs 3 lakh. 

Sunzu recalled that first edition of EIIFF as launched in the year 2022 during golden jubilee celebration of Manipuri cinema in 2022 with the vision of turning Manipur a hub of film making. 

“The main philosophy of organising this event is that Manipur is known for its rich storytelling tradition. Why not Manipur can become a top destination in storytelling because we already have such distinguish story telling tradition and cinema practice. With this goal we are in the process of turning this ideology into reality by making this state a hub of film making for at least four days,” he asserted. 

Stating about the support and cooperation to make this event a grand success, he said that many agencies and entrepreneur will be lending their support. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, state government, North East Council will be providing financial assistance along with some business entrepreneur of Manipur. 

Sunzu said that Manipur has malign its dignity and only viewed as land of conflict due to present unrest. Let this upcoming film festival reassert the lost image of Manipur, a place known for its rich arts, culture and tradition.