Imphal: In a landmark moment for Manipuri cinema, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles has announced that Ishanou will be screened on March 11 as part of “Emotion in Colour: A Kaleidoscope of Indian Cinema,” a historic film series running from March 7 to April 19, 2025.
Curated by acclaimed filmmaker and preservationist Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, this series showcases 12 iconic Indian films, exploring the evolution of colour in Indian cinema and its impact on storytelling and visual artistry. The selection includes cinematic masterpieces such as Mother India, Manthan, Amar Akbar Anthony, Mirch Masala, Devdas, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Jodhaa Akbar, Kanchenjungha, Maya Darpan, Iruvar, and Kummatty—with Ishanou proudly representing Manipuri cinema on this prestigious global stage once again.
Directed by the eminent Manipuri filmmaker, Aribam Syam Sharma, Ishanou is a timeless gem that first captivated audiences at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard in 1991. The film was later restored by Manipur State Film Development Society with the help of Shivendra Singh Dungarpur’s Film Heritage Foundation Mumbai, a non-profit on a mission to preserve India’s film heritage. Its restored version was officially selected for the Cannes Classics Section in 2023, reaffirming its significance in global cinema. Deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual traditions of Manipur, Ishanou is a poetic exploration of the enigmatic Maibi priestesses and their mystical world—a narrative unlike any other in Indian cinema.
This rare opportunity to showcase Ishanou at the Academy Museum underscores the film’s enduring significance and the growing recognition of Manipuri cinema’s artistic legacy on the world stage.
Curator Shivendra Singh Dungarpur states:“When the Academy Museum invited me to curate a program of Indian films, I saw a rare opportunity to present the unparalleled diversity and vibrancy of Indian cinema in color to a largely unfamiliar audience. These twelve films are more than just a celebration of cinematic artistry; they are a vivid mosaic of language, culture, and color, offering audiences in Los Angeles a glimpse into the boundless kaleidoscope of Indian cinema.”
For the MSFDS, this recognition is yet another milestone in its unwavering commitment to preserving, restoring, and promoting Manipuri cinema. The selection of Ishanou, alongside some of the most revered films in Indian cinematic history, solidifies Manipur’s distinct and irreplaceable position in the broader landscape of both Indian and world cinema. Following the successful restoration of Ishanou in partnership with Dungarpur’s Film Heritage Foundation, MSFDS has now undertaken the restoration of Imagi Ningthem—the seminal work that first introduced Manipuri cinema to the global stage.
The Academy Museum’s initiative is a monumental showcase, introducing global audiences to the richness, artistry, and diversity of Indian filmmaking—honoring its cultural depth, vibrant storytelling, and evocative use of color. For Manipuri cinema, this is not just a screening; it is a defining moment in its journey towards greater international recognition.
