Lights, Camera, Imphal! EIIFF 2025 brings you a global cinematic journey with films from around the world, industry talks, and captivating cultural performances. Don’t miss it!
BY Navin Upadhyay
The Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival (EIIFF) is set to captivate audiences with its second edition, featuring a diverse 57-film lineup from February 6th to 9th, 2025 in Imphal.r. Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or a curious newcomer, EIIFF 2025 offers an unforgettable cinematic experience. Immerse yourself in the world of film, discover new voices, and celebrate the power of storytelling at this exciting festival.
EIIFF 2025 will present a curated selection of 57 films, including 13 captivating Manipuri films. Screenings will be held across four venues, offering a diverse range of cinematic experiences. From thought-provoking documentaries to heartwarming dramas and thrilling action flicks, there’s something for every film lover.
Celebrating Manipuri Cinema:
A special highlight of the festival will be the screening of four remastered Manipuri classics: “Ishanou,” “Sanakeithel,” “Yairipok Thambalnu,” and “Chatledo Eidi.” This initiative aims to preserve and showcase the rich heritage of Manipuri cinema, introducing a new generation to the timeless artistry of these cinematic gems.
📣The second edition of the Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival (EIIFF) will take place from 6th to February 9th, 2025.🎥
The festival will be hosted at four different venues i.e City Convention, MFSDS, Tanthapolis & Kumecs Cinema.🎬✨🌟#Cinema#Documentary#Manipur pic.twitter.com/5wv67Y5lQ9
— Sonia Nepram (@nongallei) January 21, 2025
A Global Cinematic Journey:
The festival will showcase a wide array of films across various categories, including International Competition (Fiction and Non-Fiction), Northeast Currents, World Lenses, Remastered Classics, Eikhoigi Montage, and Manipur Matinee. Audiences can expect to witness thought-provoking narratives, stunning visuals, and cultural insights from filmmakers in India and beyond, including countries like Myanmar, Nepal, Vietnam, Iran, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Kazakhstan.
ALSO READ: Manipuri Dance Icon Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi Honored with Padma Shri
Opening Night with a Masterpiece:
The festival will kick off with the screening of the iconic Manipuri film “Ishanou (The Chosen One),” directed by Aribam Syam Sharma, paying homage to the region’s rich cinematic heritage.
Beyond the screenings, the festival will feature engaging panel discussions, insightful filmmaker interactions, and captivating cultural performances, creating a vibrant and immersive experience for all attendees.
EIIFF serves as a crucial platform for showcasing the diverse voices and perspectives of filmmakers from the Northeast region and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and enriching the cinematic landscape of India.
📣The Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival is coming this February 6, 7, 8, and 9 at the MSFDS Palace Compound!
Exciting panel discussions, exclusive masterclasses, and a special focus on our very own Manipuri actors @EIIFF_Manipur @HShadananda ♥️ pic.twitter.com/IJTuTjNJfi— Sonia Nepram (@nongallei) January 26, 2025
A Journey Through Film:
This year’s festival will offer a captivating cinematic journey, featuring:
- 13 Manipuri Films: Showcasing the vibrant and evolving landscape of Manipuri cinema.
- 44 International Films: Bringing diverse perspectives and storytelling styles from around the globe.
Celebrating Manipuri Cinema:
A cornerstone of EIIFF 2025 will be the screening of four meticulously remastered Manipuri classics:
- “Ishanou”: A timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences.
- “Sanakeithel”: A poignant exploration of human relationships and social issues.
- “Yairipok Thambalnu”: A classic that showcases the beauty and grace of Manipuri culture.
- “Chatledo Eidi”: A film that captures the essence of Manipuri society and its traditions.
These screenings aim to preserve and promote Manipuri cinematic heritage, introducing a new generation to the artistry and cultural significance of these cinematic gems.
Here’s a glimpse into the exciting schedule:
Day 1 | Thursday, February 6th
- Palace Audi
- 5:30 PM: Ishanou (The Chosen One) | DIR Aribam Syam Sharma | INDIA | RM | Fiction | 91′
- Tanthapolis
- 5:30 PM: Ishanou (The Chosen One) | DIR Aribam Syam Sharma | INDIA | RM | Fiction | 91′
- Kumecs
- 5:30 PM: Ishanou (The Chosen One) | DIR Aribam Syam Sharma | INDIA | RM | Fiction | 91′
- Chandrakriti
- 5:30 PM: Ishanou (The Chosen One) | DIR Aribam Syam Sharma | INDIA | RM | Fiction | 91′
- City Convention Center
- 3:00 PM: Opening Ceremony
Day 2 | Friday, February 7th
- Palace Audi
- 10:00 AM: Ma – Cry of Silence | DIR The Maw Naing | MYANMAR | IC:F | Fiction | 74′
- 11:30 AM: Teere Bendho Na (Unanchored) | DIR Niranjan Kujur | INDIA | IC:F | Fiction | 36′
- 12:30 PM: Turtle Walker | DIR Taira Malaney | INDIA | IC:NF | Non-Fiction | 75′
- 2:45 PM: Hangman | DIR Vihaan V | INDIA | IC:F | Fiction | 79′
- 4:40 PM: Against the Tide | DIR Sarvnik Kaur | INDIA | IC:NF | Non-Fiction | 97′
- 6:30 PM: Indian Women Atlas | DIR Sunil Dhankher | INDIA | NEC | Animation | 10′
- Tanthapolis
- 10:00 AM: Putulnama (Dolls Don’t Die) | DIR Ranajit Ray | INDIA | WL | Non-Fiction | 70′
- 11:20 AM: In God We Trust | DIR Uma Vangal | INDIA | IC:NF | Non-Fiction | 63′
- 1:15 PM: Sunita | DIR Ajit Yumnam | INDIA | MM | Fiction | 107′
- 3:30 PM: Joseph’s Son | DIR Haobam Paban Kumar | INDIA | WL | Fiction | 83′
- 5:30 PM: Manikbabur Megh | DIR Abhinandan Banerjee | INDIA | EM | Fiction | 98′
- Kumecs
- 10:00 AM: Cu Li Never Cries | DIR Pham Ngoc Lan | VIETNAM | IC:F | Fiction | 93′
- 11:40 AM: No Winter Holidays | DIR Rajan Kathet, Sunil Pandey | NEPAL | IC:NF | Non-Fiction | 79′
- 4:00 PM: Aaini Onnai (Mother’s Affection) | DIR Bishal Swargiary | INDIA | NEC | Non-Fiction | 20′
- 4:30 PM: Ade (On A Sunday) | DIR Theja Rio | INDIA | NEC | Fiction | 17′
- 5:00 PM: Karken | DIR Nending Loder | INDIA | NEC | Fiction | 92′
- Chandrakriti
- 10:00 AM: And, Towards Happy Alleys | DIR Sreemoyee Singh | IRAN | IC:NF | Non-Fiction | 75′
- 11:40 AM: A Road To A Village | DIR Nabin Subba | NEPAL | IC:F | Fiction | 96′
- 2:15 PM: Langdai Ama | DIR Binoranjan Oinam | INDIA | MM | Fiction | 85′
- 4:00 PM: An Unknown Summer | DIR Bhasker Jyoti Das | INDIA | IC:NF | Non-Fiction | 24′
- 4:30 PM: Sanakeithel | DIR M.A. Singh | INDIA | RM | Fiction | 120′
Day 3 | Saturday, February 8th
- Palace Audi
- 10:00 AM: Scream | DIR Kenzhebek Shaikakov | KAZAKHSTAN | IC:F | Fiction | 108′
- 11:55 AM: Beyond Boundaries | DIR Sankhajit Biswas, Biswajit Mitra | AUSTRALIA | IC:NF | Non-Fiction | 54′
- 2:00 PM: Andro Dreams | DIR Meena Longjam | INDIA | IC:NF | Non-Fiction | 63′
- 3:30 PM: Tentigo | DIR Ilango Ram | SRI LANKA | IC:F | Fiction | 100′
- 5:20 PM: Village Rockstars 2 | DIR Rima Das | INDIA | IC:F | Fiction | 109′
- Tanthapolis
- 10:00 AM: Where We Used to Sleep | DIR Matthaus Worle | GERMANY | IC:NF | Non-Fiction | 82′
- 11:30 AM: Appuram (The Other Side) | DIR Indu Lakshmi | INDIA | EM | Fiction | 73′
- 1:45 PM: Oneness | DIR Priyakanta Laishram | INDIA | MM | Fiction | 114′
- 4:00 PM: The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent | DIR Nebojsa Slijepcevic | CROATIA | WL | Fiction | 13′
- 4:20 PM: Laangoi | DIR Manoranjan Longjam | INDIA | MM | Fiction | 120′
- Kumecs
- 10:00 AM: Adim (Primitive) | DIR Amitabha Chaterji | INDIA | EM | Fiction | 115′
- 12:05 PM: Tara, The Lost Star | DIR Samten Bhutia | INDIA | NEC | Fiction | 90′
- 2:45 PM: Father’s Footsteps | DIR Mohamad Ali | SYRIA | WL | Fiction | 29′
- 3:30 PM: Agent of Happiness | DIR Arun Bhattarai, Dorottya Zurbó | BHUTAN | IC:NF | Non-Fiction | 94′
- 5:00 PM: Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know | DIR Chidananda S Naik | INDIA | WL | Fiction | 16′
- Chandrakriti
- 10:00 AM: Bibo Binanao | DIR Kenny Basumatary | INDIA | NEC | Fiction | 96′
- 11:40 AM: Kherwal | DIR Uttam Kamati | INDIA | EM | Fiction | 126′
- 2:50 PM: Path | DIR Pradip Kurbah | INDIA | EM | Fiction | 20′
- 3:15 PM: Delusional Decays | DIR Tushar Nongthombam | INDIA | NEC | Fiction | 23′
- 4:00 PM: Chanchisoa (Expectation) | DIR Elvachisa Ch Sangma | INDIA | NEC | Fiction | 30′
- 4:45 PM: Chatledo Eidi | DIR Makhonmani Mongsaba | INDIA | RM | Fiction | 121′
Day 4 | Sunday, February 9th
- Palace Audi
- 8:00 AM: Swaha (In The Name of Fire) | DIR Abhilash Sharma | INDIA | EM | Fiction | 99′
- 10:00 AM: Ullozhukku | DIR Christo Tomy | INDIA | IC:F | Fiction | 123′
- 12:15 PM: Bhangaar (Obsolete)
