The 7th Sangai Film Festival in Manipur begins November 24, showcasing restored classics, new voices, acclaimed documentaries and interactive sessions. A free-entry five-day celebration of Manipuri cinema, held alongside the Sangai Tourism Festival in Imphal.
The curtains of the Palace Auditorium at the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) are set to rise once again on Monday as the seventh edition of the Sangai Film Festival-2025 begins in Imphal. Over the next five days, from November 24 to 28, the festival will showcase a compelling blend of old and new cinematic voices, offering a rich celebration of Manipuri filmmaking, culture, and creativity.
Organised by MSFDS—a Manipur government undertaking—and supported by the Tourism Department and the Department of Art and Culture, the festival promises to deliver a vibrant and inclusive cinematic experience. According to MSFDS Secretary Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, the festival remains “entry free, with no barriers, no tickets—only a shared love for films.” The initiative aims to make quality cinema accessible to everyone, from cinephiles and students to families and enthusiasts who want to explore Manipur’s evolving film narrative.
A Journey Through Manipuri Cinema
This year’s festival will present an impressive lineup under the Indian Panorama section, featuring critically acclaimed titles including Oitharei by Dinesh Naorem and Andro Dreams by Meena Longjam. These films have garnered national attention for their artistic depth and storytelling precision.
One of the major highlights of the festival will be the screening of Oneness, the multi-award-winning feature by Priyakanta Laishram, whose work continues to push boundaries in Manipuri cinema. Audiences can also look forward to a dedicated “New Voices” section, where ten short films by emerging filmmakers will be screened. These selections showcase fresh perspectives, bold experimentation, and a fearless approach to storytelling that marks the rise of a new generation of filmmakers in the region.
Rediscovering Manipur’s Cinematic Past
For film history enthusiasts, the festival brings a rare opportunity to explore restored Manipuri celluloid classics. In collaboration with the National Film Archive of India (NFAI), six digitally remastered films will be screened under the “Rediscovering Manipur” segment. Among them is the celebrated Orchids of Manipur by legendary filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma, a cornerstone figure in the state’s cinematic heritage.
This retrospective aims to reconnect modern audiences with some of Manipur’s most iconic film moments, preserving their legacy while opening dialogue on the journey of Manipuri cinema over the decades.
International Documentary Showcase
Expanding its horizon beyond regional cinema, this year’s Sangai Film Festival will also feature four internationally acclaimed documentary features. The line-up includes And Towards Happy Alleys, Dolls Do Not Die, Life is Beautiful, and the Sundance-winning A House Made of Splinters. These films explore global themes of conflict, memory, migration, resilience and human survival.
Presented in partnership with DocEdge Kolkata and the Documentary Resource Initiative, this section underscores the festival’s commitment to fostering global stories and encouraging cross-cultural reflection.
Engaging Conversations and Industry Insights
Alongside its screenings, the festival will host an interactive and thought-provoking session titled From Idea to Screen: Financing & Finding Audience. The session will feature noted film personalities Nilotpal Majumdar, Ranajit Ray, and Manipur’s acclaimed filmmaker Romi Meitei. The conversation will be moderated by filmmaker and journalist Bobo Khuraijam.
This platform aims to offer young and aspiring storytellers valuable insights into the realities of filmmaking—from conceptualisation and funding to audience engagement and the challenges of navigating the industry. The in-conversation session expects to attract students, new filmmakers, and film lovers eager to understand the craft from seasoned professionals.
Connecting Audiences and Artists
In addition to the screenings, attendees will have several opportunities to meet filmmakers—both veterans and newcomers—through interactive Q&A sessions after select screenings. According to Bachaspatimayum, these moments “allow creators to speak openly about struggles, sacrifices, and the stubborn passion that keeps cinema alive.”
The Sangai Film Festival, he added, is not merely a showcase but a space for reflection, learning, emotion and celebration—a moment to pause together amid a fast-paced world.
Celebrating Alongside the Sangai Tourism Festival
The film festival coincides with the ongoing Sangai Tourism Festival, a 10-day annual event organised by the Tourism Department to boost Manipur’s tourism and related sectors. The tourism festival began on November 21 at Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal and is named after the Sangai, the state animal and critically endangered brow-antlered deer found only in the Keibul Lamjao National Park.
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Together, these parallel festivals aim to project Manipur’s cultural richness, cinematic legacy, and natural heritage on a wider platform—drawing visitors, showcasing talent, and strengthening the state’s cultural footprint.
