IMPHAL: The second edition of the Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival will take place from February 6 to February 9 in Imphal, festival director Sunzu Bachaspatimayum announced today.
At a press conference held at the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Sunzu revealed that 57 films, including 13 Manipuri films, will be screened during the festival. The films will be shown across four cinema halls, including one at MSFDS.
The festival has two competition categories: fiction and non-fiction. In fiction, 11 films will compete, including seven from other countries, four from India, and one from Manipur. The non-fiction category will have 10 films, with six from other countries.
A special screening of a 23-minute experimental short film titled Delusional Decay will also be part of the festival. Sunzu encouraged the public to attend the event, which will also include industry engagement programmes, panel discussions, and cultural performances.
He also mentioned that many of the films are uncensored and warned against bringing young children to the public screenings. People with delegate cards will have full access to the festival, while others can buy tickets for each film they want to watch.
In a move to preserve Manipuri cinematic heritage, several Manipuri films have been digitized as part of the National mission. Four of these remastered classics—Ishanou, Sanakeithel, Yairipok Thambalnu, and Chatledo Eidi—will be screened as part of the “Remastered: The Light of Manipur Cinema” segment.
