IMPHAL, Feb 24: In a historic moment for Manipuri cinema, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles has announced the screening of the acclaimed Manipuri film Ishanou on March 11, 2025. This screening will be part of the film series “Emotion in Colour: A Kaleidoscope of Indian Cinema,” running from March 7 to April 19, 2025.
Curated by renowned filmmaker and preservationist Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, the series will showcase 12 iconic Indian films that highlight the evolution of color in Indian cinema and explore its profound impact on storytelling.
Originally showcased in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard in 1991, Ishanou has since been restored by the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) in collaboration with the help of Dungarpur’s Film Heritage Foundation. Its restored version was selected for the Cannes Classics Section in 2023, underscoring its enduring significance in global cinema.
The film, directed by Aribam Syam Sharma, is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual traditions of Manipur. It offers a poetic exploration of the enigmatic Maibi priestesses and their mystical world, providing a narrative that is unlike any other in Indian cinema.
Additionally, MSFDS continues its mission to preserve Manipuri cinema’s heritage, with plans for the restoration of Imagi Ningthem, a seminal film in the region’s cinematic history.
