Imphal: The film ‘Lockdown’ directed by Seityabati (Elangbi) bags the first best short film award in the 1st Khapri International Manipuri Short Fiction Film Festival -2021 held Sunday at Meipa Venue, Palace Compound.
The film revolves around the story of a poor family struggling to survive during the Covid-19 lockdown. The award comprises a certificate, momento and cash of Rs.55,555.
The second and the third spot goes to ‘Thoibee’ and the ‘Challenge’ film respectively. A total of 24 films have been screened out of which only 4 have been selected by the jury for the awards.
‘Nongyai’ film got the Ipak Chairman’s Choice Award while ‘Challenge’ film bagged the Special Jury Mention Award and the third best short film award.
Lockdown film got the Best Popular People’s Choice Award, Best Film of a Debut Director, Best editor and best short film award.
The ‘Thoibee’ film directed by Rajen Leishangthem grabs awards for the best story, cinematography, director and 2nd best short film.
Speaking at the occasion as the chief guest, CAF & PD Minister Th. Satyabrata Singh lauded the organisers of the film festival and the film fraternity Manipur for moving forward and continuing their contribution amidst the painful episodes of the Covid pandemic. He also expressed that screening of 4 short films on the theme of Covid and lockdown reminds us 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 of livelihood during the crisis. “I feel a good film is one that dissipates a good, moral message to the society,” he added.
Drawing the attention of the organisers, Minister Satyabrata expressed 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. “It is nice work that such film festivals are held from time to time. I hope Ipak Films Production Manipur and Film Forum Manipur will shoulder responsibility in producing good films in future that will help build a better society and strong state”, he also said.
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 also assured.
The star-studded award ceremony was attended by Festival Chairman, Dr.S.Manaoton Singh, Chairman,Film Forum Manipur, S. Mangoljao Singh and Chairman & Managing Director Khapri Industries Pvt.Ltd., Khangembam Priyojit as guests of honour and special guest respectively. The function was jointly organised by Ipak Films Production Manipur and Film Forum Manipur. The 15 day online 1st Khapri International Manipuri Short Fiction Film Festival -2021 concluded today with lots of promises and optimism and added a feather to the journey of Manipuri Cinema.
A catalogue was also released during the glittering award ceremony.
