Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival 2025 Begins with Grandeur, Showcasing 57 Films from 9 Countries

The festival aspires to establish EIIFF as a premier international film festival in the northeastern region.

The second edition of the Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival (EIIFF) 2025 officially kicked off with a grand opening at the City Convention in Imphal on Thursday. The four-day festival, organised by the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) and the Manipur State Film & Television Institute (MSF&TI), aims to celebrate cinema’s role in shaping culture and society.

A total of 57 films from nine countries, including India, Myanmar, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Bhutan, and Nepal, will be showcased. The festival aspires to establish EIIFF as a premier international film festival in the northeastern region, carefully curating some of the most significant cinematic works of recent times.

Manipur has recently been in the news due to ongoing conflicts and crises. However, Information and Public Relations (IPR) Minister Dr. Sapam Ranjan expressed hope that the festival would serve as a platform to highlight the state’s rich culture, creativity, and storytelling traditions. He extended his best wishes to all filmmakers and film enthusiasts attending the event.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh highlighted the profound impact of films on individuals, communities, and the state. He highlighted their potential to bring about positive change and noted that many film festivals and related events receive sponsorship from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. He suggested that such initiatives should not fall under the purview of the Art and Culture Department alone.

The minister pointed out that while many Manipuri films have been produced, they have not reached a wider audience. He acknowledged reports that some old Manipuri films have been restored and expressed the need for more efforts in this direction.

“If all the old films produced in the past could be restored, it would be a huge asset for the state and film enthusiasts,” he remarked.

On the occasion, the festival honoured renowned filmmaker and Padma Shri awardee Aribam Syam Sharma, the Doyen of Manipuri Cinema, for his remarkable contributions to the world of cinema.

Aribam Syam Sharma underscored that language is never a barrier in film, as performances and storytelling transcend linguistic differences, making cinema a universal medium. He expressed hope that the festival would contribute to bringing peace to Manipur and recounted his experiences in bringing global recognition to Manipuri films. He also mentioned that EIIFF is an important platform for filmmakers from a small state like Manipur.

The festival features two major competition categories:

Documentary Film Competition with a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh

Feature-Length Fiction Film Competition with a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh

The event is being organised in collaboration with the Film Forum Manipur and will conclude on February 9. With a diverse selection of films and a strong focus on cultural representation, EIIFF 2025 is set to leave a lasting impact on the region’s cinematic landscape.

Also Read: Manipur Political Turmoil: CM Biren Singh Attends Maha Kumbh Amid Speculations of Leadership Change

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