Imphal, Nov 23 (LatestNewsX) – In a clear sign of backing for rising Manipuri voices, the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) has stepped up a grassroots effort to help young filmmakers, raising Rs 2.27 lakh through a special screening of “Oitharei” last Sunday.
Guided by its mission to nurture cinema and support emerging storytellers, this government-backed body rallied to back the crews of two Manipuri titles that earned spots in the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Goa 2025 Indian Panorama, a prestigious acknowledgment in Indian filmmaking.
Secretary Sunzu Bachaspatimayum highlighted that this year sees an extraordinary event: a documentary and a fiction feature from Manipur among the best Indian films showcased. “Battlefield,” a documentary by Borun Thokchom, chronicles the hidden history of the Battle of Imphal during World II, while “Oitharei” explores the sorrow and helplessness felt by locals amid the state’s continuing ethnic tensions.
Although the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting covers travel and lodging for two to three core crew members of each film, many first‑time participants still need financial support to attend IFFI for exposure and professional growth, he added. The MSFDS, recognizing the importance of festival participation for creative careers, decided to intervene even though it has no earmarked budget for this purpose.
Each year, the society allocates Rs 1 lakh to partially support delegates—especially filmmakers, critics, and journalists. The fundraising event bridged this shortfall, with the Chief Electoral Office of Manipur contributing a substantial Rs 1.5 lakh. In gratitude, MSFDS will reserve a month of promotional space to display electoral awareness content and screen related promotional films before and during shows at the auditorium.
While modest in size, the initiative illustrates the expanding support ecosystem for the state’s film community, particularly as government funding tightens. More importantly, it underscores a shared belief that exposure, networking, and learning opportunities at festivals can be as vital as the filmmaking process itself in forging robust creative futures.
“By turning community goodwill into a stepping stone for new filmmakers, MSFDS is quietly laying a foundation for long‑term mentorship, collaboration, and cultural confidence, ensuring that Manipuri cinema continues to grow not just on screen, but in spirit,” Bachaspatimayum remarked.
The 56th IFFI‑2025 kicked off in Goa on Nov 20, showcasing over 240 films from 81 countries across a nine‑day extravaganza.
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