Imphal: Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, today graced the award presentation ceremony of the 17th Manipur State Film Awards (MSFA), 2025 Edition, at the Palace Auditorium of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Imphal. Organised by the MSFDS, the award is the highest State honour in Manipuri cinema, recognising excellence and outstanding contributions to the industry. Chief Minister of Manipur, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, and Kh. Loken Singh, Minister for Art & Culture and Tourism, also attended the programme.
As part of the event, the Official Award Catalogue was released.
The Governor of Manipur conferred the MSFDS Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 on Dr. Arambam Lokendra in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the aesthetic development of Manipuri cinema and his significant role in enriching its academic and intellectual discourse since its inception. The Governor, along with the Chief Minister and the Minister, also distributed the awards in the Books & Critic; Non-Feature and Feature Films categories to the winners.
Speaking at the event, the Governor of Manipur said that cinema is more than entertainment; it is a powerful medium that reflects society, preserves collective memory, and gives expression to the aspirations, values and experiences of the people. He stated that Manipuri cinema, with its distinct cultural identity, plays an important role in safeguarding the State’s heritage while engaging with contemporary realities. The Governor appealed to young and emerging filmmakers to continue telling authentic stories rooted in rich cultural traditions while embracing innovation and new forms of cinematic expression, adding that the future of Manipuri cinema rests on their imagination, talent and courage to explore new horizons.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh acknowledged the contributions of film societies and appreciated filmmakers, writers and directors for preserving and promoting Manipuri culture, traditions and indigenous values through cinema. He noted that despite various challenges, Manipuri cinema has continued to achieve significant milestones and said that the international recognition earned by Boong in the BAFTA Children & Family Award brought pride to both Manipur and India, marking a historic achievement for the country. He further expressed confidence that with continued support and collective efforts, Manipuri cinema would reach greater heights and strengthen its presence on both national and international platforms.
