IMPHAL, Nov 8: Marking a proud resurgence for Manipuri cinema, two films from the state — Battlefield and Oitharei (Save My Soul) — have been officially selected for the prestigious Indian Panorama section at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025. The announcement by the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) has been hailed as a major milestone, reaffirming Manipur’s enduring creative spirit and cinematic excellence.
Battlefield, a feature-length documentary directed by acclaimed filmmaker Borun Thokchom, has been chosen for the non-feature category. Shot over a decade, the film revisits the 1944 World War II battlegrounds across Manipur, juxtaposing global war memories with local lived experiences. Produced by Manjoy Lourembam, Dr. Radhesyam Oinam, and Viswamithra Universals, it was conceptualized through the MSFDS “Imphal Documentor” initiative in collaboration with the Documentary Resource Initiative (DRI), Kolkata.
Meanwhile, debutant director Dinesh Naorem’s Oitharei (Save My Soul) will represent Manipur in the feature film section. The film poignantly captures the anguish of a widow displaced by Manipur’s ethnic unrest, serving as both a human story and a plea for peace. Naorem said the film reflects “the cry of Manipur’s people for understanding and healing” and that its national selection “gives voice to their pain.”
MSFDS officials lauded both filmmakers for bringing Manipuri stories to a global platform once again. The last Manipuri feature to enter the Panorama was Eigi Kona (Stallone, My Pony) in 2019, and the last documentary was Andro Dreams in 2023.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has announced 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films as part of the Indian Panorama this year.
