Imphal: The North East India Film Festival (NEIFF 2024) concluded at the Palace Auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society in Imphal on Thursday.
The film festival was organised by THOUNA, Manipur in association with Film Forum Manipur, Directorate of Information & Public Relations and Department of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur, under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India and was commenced on March 3, 2024.
Speaking as Chief Guest of the function, M. Joy Singh, Commissioner, IPR, said that the festival has been a journey into the hearts of human experience where filmmakers from diverse backgrounds of North East India shared their unique perspectives and creativities transcending boundaries.
While appreciating the efforts of the organizers, he thanked the participating filmmakers who have delighted the public with their well-crafted cinematic expressions. He further added that the films that are screened during the 5-day festival have not only entertained but also stirred the souls and left an indelible mark in the minds of the audience.
Joy also expressed his desire that the influence of the films continue to resonate within us, fostering dialogues and commitment, to embrace our diversity. He also congratulated the award winners and all the participating filmmakers in making the festival a success.
Rapture directed by Dominic Sangma bagged the Best Film Award. The Best Director award was bagged by Haobam Paban Kumar for Joseph’s Son, Best Screenplay by Parthajit Baruah for Nellier Kotha, Best Cinematography by Jayant Sethu Mathavan for the film Before Spring, Best Editing by Kuldip Baruah for Samarpan and the Best Sound Award by Amrit Pritam and Debajit Changmai for Gorai Pakhri.
Assamese films Before Spring directed by Shrutismriti Changkakoti and Ata Nirjon Duporiya directed by Khanjan Kishore Nath bagged the Special Jury Award and the Special Mentioned Award respectively.
Th. Charanjeet Singh, Director, IPR; L. Surjakanta Sharma, Chairman, Film Forum Manipur; Y. Nilachandra Singh, Chairman, Organizing Committee NEIFF 2024; Jury Members; Renown Film Makers from North East India; Artists, invitees and film lovers of the state took in the closing function.
