The film ‘Lockdown’ directed by Seityabati (Elangbi) bagged the best short film award in the 15-day 1st Khapri International Manipuri Short Fiction Film Festival 2021 held online.
The film revolves around the story of a poor family struggling to survive during the COVID-19 lockdown. The award comprises a certificate, memento and cash of Rs 55,555.
Winners of the festival were announced during the valedictory function of the 15-day first Khapri International Manipuri Short Fiction Film Festival 2021 on Sunday at Meipa Venue, Palace Compound.
‘Thoibee’ and ‘Challenge’ films won the second and third best film awards respectively. A total of 24 films were screened out of which four were selected by the jury for the awards.
‘Nongyai’ film received the Ipak Chairman’s Choice Award while ‘Challenge’ film also bagged the Special Jury Mention Award.
Among others, ‘Lockdown’ film also got the Best Popular People’s Choice Award, Best Film of a Debut Director, Best editor while ‘Thoibee’ directed by Rajen Leishangthem grabbed awards for the best story, cinematography, director.
Speaking at the occasion as the chief guest, CAF and PD minister Th Satyabrata Singh lauded the organisers of the film festival and the film fraternity of Manipur for moving forward and continuing their contribution amidst the painful episodes of the Covid pandemic.
He said that screening of the four short films on the theme of Covid and lockdown reminded of the dreadful situation the people of the state had to go through by taking shelter in quarantine centres and struggling for food and other necessary amenities during the crisis. “I feel that a good film is one that disseminates a good, moral message to the society,” he added.
Drawing the attention of the organisers, Satyabrata maintained that it will be a good step if more films based on the remedies and precautions to save mankind from the severe Covid virus are made in public interest.
Organising committee member and festival director, Kh Bishwamitra said that the short film movement of Manipur has been going on with a steady pace recently. Over the last few years, Manipuri cinema shows scope for good income and entrepreneurship, he stated.
Chairman, Film Forum Manipur, S Mangoljao and chairman and managing director of Khapri Industries Pvt Ltd, Khangembam Priyojit were also present during the function which was jointly organised by Ipak Films Production Manipur and Film Forum Manipur.
A catalogue was also released during the award ceremony.
