Imphal International Film Festival 2025 Kicks Off In Manipur

IMPHAL: The 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival (EIIFF) 2025 began on Thursday at the City Convention Centre in Imphal. It marked the tough resilience of the Manipur cultural landscape in view of the continued strife and unrest there. It has attracted filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts across India and other countries, making the point that the state is more than mere conflicts.

Veteran film director Aribam Syam Sharma, who inaugurated the festival by screening a restored version of his classic film “Ishanou”, spoke about the tumultuous history of Imphal and voiced optimism that the festival might be contributing to peace in the region.

Information and Public Relations Minister Dr Sapam Ranjan said cinema is a significant platform for societal growth and that these films need to be preserved and passed on for future generations. Chief Secretary PK Singh assured he would increase cooperation for the successive editions of the festival, reportedly seeking funds for the same through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Festival Director Sunzu Bachaspatimayum said that the support from filmmakers across the country was strong, and it was a testament to the power of cinema to bring communities together and heal. The three-day festival will have film screenings, panel discussions, and masterclasses. It will also introduce two Pitch Sessions for emerging filmmakers, with a total of Rs. 8 lakh in funding.

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