GOA, Nov 25: Battlefield, a powerful Manipuri documentary by filmmaker Borun Thokchom, received its world premiere at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on Monday, bringing Manipur’s long-overlooked World War II history to a national spotlight. The film has been officially selected for the Indian Panorama (Non-Feature) section—an important recognition for Manipuri cinema on a prestigious platform.
Produced by Manjoy Lourembam, Dr. Radhesyam Oinam, and Viswamithra Universals, Battlefield revisits the historic Battle of Imphal, a decisive WWII campaign fought on Manipuri soil. Shot over a decade, the documentary follows war researcher Rajeshwor Yumnam as he traces remnants of wartime sites and uncovers stories that have remained buried for generations.
A red-carpet ceremony followed the screening, attended by the director, crew members, and festival delegates, marking a celebratory moment for Manipur’s growing presence in India’s film festival landscape.
The film blends survivor accounts, archival references and on-ground exploration to present what the creators describe as a “poignant reminder” of the war’s impact on Manipur. It also juxtaposes the elaborate WWII memorials maintained abroad with the region’s own neglected historical sites and modern humanitarian struggles.
Battlefield was developed under the MSFDS “Imphal Documentor” Lab (2022), supported by the Documentary Resource Initiative (DRI), Kolkata, and Television Cine Foundation Manipur—giving the project a strong developmental grounding.
IFFI’s Indian Panorama 2025 features 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films, with Battlefield standing out as one of the key documentary selections this year.
In another boost for Manipuri cinema, Dinesh Naorem’s feature film “Oitharei”—also selected for the Indian Panorama (Feature) category and will be screened on November 27, featuring Suraj Ngashepam, Sanjuna, Sunny, and Nandakumar in lead roles.
