‘Eigi Nupi Tamnalai’ directed by Ojitbabu Ningthoujam and a short film Eewai (The Ripple) directed by Bishwamittra Khwairakpam were awarded the best Feature and Non-feature films during the 15th Manipur State Film Awards, 2023 on Saturday.
Altogether, 43 awards in various categories were handed out during the 15th edition of the coveted Manipur State Film Awards which was held at the auditorium hall of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Imphal on Saturday.
Governor of Manipur Anusuiya Uikey and chief secretary Vineet Joshi attended the star studded event and also inaugurated the Exhibition gallery of the SN Chand Cine Archive and Museum during the event.
On the occasion, governor Anusuiya Uikey stated that the award ceremony was a testament of Manipur’s endeavour to preserve its culture and values. “It highlights the immense attachment of Manipuris to their roots and their regards for it,” she said.
She maintained that powerful communication tools such as films should be utilised to store and impart cultural knowledge for posterity. She stated that Manipur is one of the few Indian states which takes pride in its abundant heritage and culture.
She further lauded the SN Chand Cine Archive and Museum for its valiant efforts in striving to keep the cinematic history alive and well.
Meanwhile, Vineet Joshi maintained that Manipur’s long and illustrious cinematic journey starting from the very first feature film had been commendable.
He stated that the unique and aesthetically pleasing perspective of the Manipuri cinema was starting to assert its global presence and wished the industry would continue to grow even bigger in the coming years.
Out of the 43 awards, the Tangkhul feature film ‘I Hanunghaoga’ (Let me return) received the award for Best Film in Dialect other than Meiteilon while nonagenarian filmmaker Moirangthem Nilamani receiving the prestigious MSFDS Lifetime Achievement Award 2023.
Ojitbabu Ningthoujam and Bishwamittra Khwairakpam received the award for Best direction in the feature and non-feature film category respectively.
Meanwhile, Kshetrimayum Dayananda and Oinam Ithoi received the awards for Best Actor (Male and Female) for their performances in ‘Samadon’ and ‘Tharoi Ahambei Mahao’.
Other categories included Best Female Playback Singer, Best Male Playback Singer, Best music Video Award, Best Film Critic Award among others.
