Imphal: Renowned filmmaker Meena Longjam’s documentary Andro Dreams continues to garner international recognition, with its latest selection for the prestigious 14th Iran International FICTS Festival. This festival, a gateway to the Milan World Competition and part of the Fédération Internationale Cinéma Télévision Sportifs (FICTS) network honors films that champion the values of unity, perseverance, and fair play in sports.
Andro Dreams narrates the poignant journey of Laibi, an elderly woman from the remote village of Andro in Manipur, who battles economic adversity and patriarchal norms to keep her all-girls football club alive. The documentary captures Laibi’s unwavering spirit and the team’s struggles, delivering a universal message of resilience, cultural pride, and the transformative power of sports. Its selection for the Iran International FICTS Festival follows a successful premiere at the Aswan International Women’s Film Festival in Egypt, where Longjam also participated.
The film’s cross-cultural appeal is evident, as it resonates with audiences across various Islamic countries. This international journey underscores its widespread acclaim, earning numerous accolades. Previously, Andro Dreams was showcased at major festivals like the 15th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) in 2023, the Korean International Ethnographic Film Festival (KIEFF) in Seoul, and the 8th Jagran Film Festival in Mumbai, where it won Best Documentary.
Developed through the “Imphal Documentor” initiative, organized by the Manipur State Film Development Society in collaboration with Documentary Resource Initiatives, Kolkata, in 2022, the documentary opened the non-feature category at the Indian Panorama 2023 during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. It also received an Honorable Mention at FICFUSA 2023 in Colombia.
Further elevating its profile, Andro Dreams has been featured at the IAWRT Asian Women Film Festival 2024 in New Delhi and the 10th Kolkata People’s Film Festival 2024. Each screening strengthens its reputation, not only for its cinematic excellence but also for its powerful themes of perseverance, dedication, and the enduring strength of women in sports.
The inclusion of Andro Dreams in the Iran International FICTS Festival underscores the growing global recognition of Manipuri and Indian cinema. Meena Longjam’s work continues to inspire and bridge cultural divides, establishing her as one of India’s most impactful filmmakers.
As Andro Dreams continues its global journey, it celebrates the universal spirit of human determination, telling a story that resonates far beyond the borders of Manipur.
Interestingly, Andro village of Manipur has been selected as one of the Best Tourism villages in the Heritage category in the Best Tourism Villages Competition organised by the Ministry of Tourism this year.
