The second North-East India Film Festival (NEIFF) 2025 in Manipur, which began on February 12 at the City Convention Centre here, concluded on Sunday at the Library & Information Centre in Kakching with cultural performances and an award ceremony.
The festival was jointly organized by THOUNA, Manipur, in collaboration with the Film Forum Manipur and the Directorate of Information & Public Relations, Government of Manipur.The event featured an award ceremony where the Manipuri feature film 'Oitharei' won Best Feature Film, while the Assamese film 'Where Is My Home' secured the Best Non-Feature Film award. Citations and cash awards were presented to the winners.
Th Biswajit, MLA, stated that cinema has long been a vital medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and social influence. He emphasized that "cinema reflects society, acting as a mirror to our lives while uplifting and preserving traditional norms."He noted that film serves as both entertainment and infotainment, blending storytelling with information and education.
The MLA continued, saying that indigenous filmmakers bridge the gap by educating the younger generation about societal traditions.He stressed the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity in producing meaningful, impactful, and effective films that resonate with audiences.
Biswajit also voiced the need for a structured policy to ensure a systematic approach to filmmaking. He further highlighted the crucial role of cinema and filmmakers in reflecting societal values, preserving cultural heritage, and influencing public discourse.
He also pointed out the diminishing emotional depth in modern films compared to older classics and stressed the need to restore that emotional touch to create more impactful and relatable storytelling experiences.
M Joy Singh, Commissioner for IPR and Art & Culture, Manipur, highlighted that filmmaking requires collaborative effort, involving various groups and key roles, including crew members and lyricists, to ensure an impactful cinematic experience.He maintained that theatre and film, though both powerful storytelling mediums differ in their approach and execution.
Joy Singh encouraged filmmakers and artistes to strive for excellence, pushing their creative boundaries to produce high-quality, impactful films that resonate with audiences.He asserted that film acts as a catalyst for positive societal change, serving as a teaching medium to convey relevant messages to the public.
He further stated that film reflects the positive aspects of society, portraying its true essence, past events, and cultural evolution. It not only documents history but also conveys meaningful messages, ensuring that lessons and values are passed down to future generations, he added. (UNI)
