The Taste Of Nongpokthong: The Eastern Gate Opens For Cine Fans

Review By: Bishwajit Khumukcham *

Hundreds of students and professionals in Delhi had a taste of Manipuri cinema as the First Manipuri Film Festival, "Nongpokthong" opened on the 19th of March at the prestigious Siri Fort Auditorium (Read the program schedule in e-pao.net here) . The festival which lasted for four days (from the 9th t to the 13th March) was co-hosted by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) and the University of Delhi (DU).

The event brought to life memories of home. Manipur Film Development Corporation and the Local Coordinating Committee, Delhi headed by Dr. Bimol Akoijam did an excellent job by organizing such a extravaganza in the capital city. The excitement was well writ on the faces of both students and professionals who came to be a part of historic inauguration at Siri Fort Auditorium.

Sadananda performing...

The cine fans that were present on all the screenings seem to agree that Manipuris are not far behind in the art of filmmaking and acting. Many eminent members of the Manipuri film fraternity, Aribam Syam Sharma, Seema, Roma, Oken Amakcham etc graced the occasion. A Pena performance by Mangansana inaugurated the festival. Ishanou, a heart moving feature film about the lives of maibies (female shamans) was shown on the first day. At the end of the screening, people just could not stop praising the acting prowess of Anoubam Kiranmala. No wonder, Kiranmala was honoured with the 'Special Mention' in the National Film Festival in 1991.

Jamians enjoying the film being screened

The rest of the festival was hosted by the three main universities of Delhi. Many award winning films like Matamgi Manipur, Imagi Ningthem, Saphabee, Nkhumei Mikdui, Lamja Pashuram, Langlen Thadoi, Mami Sami, Nobap etc were screened. Apart from the feature films, award winning short and documentary films like Elisha Amagi Mahao, Nongpok Thongakpashing-gi Wari , the Hunter's Game, Ratan Thiyam: the Man of Theatre, Roshni, Songs of Mashangva etc were also screened.

With Uttam

A special treat for the audience was the cultural programme and the food stalls at JNU. Everyday ended with 'an evening in JNU' showcasing sensational singer/star Sadananda's talents and rocking Uttam's roaring skills. What more could one ask with the beautiful and seasoned actress Seema interacting with fans and friends at the venue. Sadananda wooed the crowd with his enchanting voice and charming personality, performing with a guitar.

But the evening's favourite turned out to be Uttam's "Uttam eidi ngaore". Young and old who were present that evening were demanding more of "eidi ngaore" after every song he sings. JNU's own Alex rocked the crowd with his songs including the crowd's favorite Recipe for disaster. On the last evening, Guru Rewben and his son carried away the crowds to the hills with their melodies modern folksongs and the Guru's guitar masterstrokes. Mangansana and his son's performance left the crowd spell bound. Incidentally, this show the father and son duo's first joint stage performance.

A section of the crowd at the film festival

Those who attended the festival also had a busy time posing for photographs with their favourite stars that came for the festival. The audiences at Jamia Millia Islamia were also given a surprise visit by Uttam and Seema on the second day. The students got the chance to interact with directors Lancha Ningthouja, Bobby Wahengbam, Suresh Hidang and Surjakanta. Apart from the films, Uttam presented three songs for the Jamia audience as well.

A cultural program at the festival

Snacks and the film CD/DVD stalls was another favourite haunt for the audience in between breaks. The overall attendance of the spectators was satisfactory and everyone truly had the moments of their life during the festival. The big effort made by the Manipur Film Development Corporation and Local coordinating Team Delhi in bringing Manipuri films in New Delhi was appreciated by all and lets hope NONGPOKTHONG is the beginning of a successful era of the Manipuri Films outside Manipur. Let us all pray that Nongpokthong opens us and others to all our silver dreams every year.

A cultural program at the festival

** Browse a gallery on Nongpokthong- Manipur Film Festival 2011 by Debanish Achom.