MSFDS CALLS FOR ENTRY FOR 16TH MANIPUR STATE FILM AWARDS, 2024

Manipur State Film Development Society, MSFDS, is accepting entries for the 16th Manipur State Film Awards, 2024 to be given to Manipuri feature films, Documentary films, Short films, and Music Videos produced and censored by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), between 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023. Entries for the State Film Awards are also invited for Best Writings on Manipuri Cinema, consisting of awards for Best Film Critic and Best Book on Manipuri Cinema published between 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023 in Manipuri or English language.

Films made in Manipuri language or any dialects spoken in the State and censored by the CBFC are eligible for entry in the Competition. For non-feature films, the commentary/narration may also be in English or any other dialect. All film entries submitted MUST have English subtitles.

Interested filmmakers, producers, film critics, and authors of film books may apply online for the State Awards at www.msfds.org or offline through the Secretary MSFDS.  Hard copies of the Entry Forms may be obtained from the MSFDS office, Palace Gate, Imphal East during office hours. The last date for online as well as offline submission of entries is 15th March 2024.

MSFDS would like to encourage all film producers, film critics, writers of Manipuri cinema, and producers of Music Videos to take advantage of the opportunity to apply for the prestigious State Film Awards. For all categories of the State Awards, three sets of Jury – Feature, Non-Feature, and Writings on Manipuri Cinema – will decide the awards to be given out at the Palace Auditorium, Palace Gate.

The State Film Awards is an annual State Film event organized by MSFDS on behalf of the Government of Manipur to encourage the production of Manipuri Cinema of aesthetic excellence and social relevance that contribute to the understanding and appreciation of cultures of different regions of the State in cinematic form, thereby promote integration and unity of Manipur State.

SD/-

Secretary, MSFDS

MSFDS EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER SONIA NEPRAM SHINES AT 74TH BERLINALE

Sonia Nepram, an executive board member of the Manipur State Film Development Society is making waves at the 74th Berlinale in Germany, renowned as the Berlin International Film Festival. Kicked off on Thursday and running until February 22, the festival, established in 1951, ranks among the world’s leading film festivals, showcasing a wide spectrum of international and national films.

Nepram’s participation is on an official invitation extended by the Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany through its Visitors Programme. Beyond the prospect of mingling with global cinema luminaries, like Martin Scorsese who will be honored with Honorary Golden Bear for his lifetime achievement, Nepram is set to gain firsthand insights into Germany and its vibrant culture.

Nepram entered the world of documentary filmmaking with “Gun and a God” in 2013, exploring the impact of armed conflict on women’s lives. Her second directorial venture, “Bloody Phanek” (2017), received funding from the DMZ (Demilitarised Zone), South Korea. It made its world premiere at the DMZ International Documentary Film Festival, earning praise for its exploration of the cultural, personal, and political aspects of the Phanek, the traditional attire of Manipuri women.

Nepram’s Berlinale itinerary features visits to prominent institutions like Deutsche Kinemathek – Museum für Film und Fernsehen German Film Archive, Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF, and discussions on film financing and location promotion.

Her participation in the Berlin International Film Festival holds special significance as MSFDS gears up for the 2nd edition of Manipur’s International Film Festival, the ‘Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival’ (EIIFF) in late 2024. The first edition of EIIFF, inaugurated during the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Manipur Cinema in 2022, showcased films from various countries like Iran, Germany, the Philippines, Norway, Ukraine, and South Korea. The upcoming edition aims for grandeur and competitiveness.

The Berlin International Film Festival, with its politically charged history, serves as a platform for intercultural exchange and critical exploration of societal issues. Sonia Nepram’s role as an MSFDS executive board member and her Berlinale participation align to elevate Manipur’s film culture on the global stage.

 Secretary | MSFDS

CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR MUMBAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OPENS

CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR MUMBAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OPENS

In an exciting announcement for Manipuri filmmakers, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, has officially opened the call for entries for the prestigious 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2024. This provides a golden opportunity for filmmakers to compete for awards totalling a cash prize of Rs 44 lakhs.

The 18th MIFF, 2024 Edition is scheduled to be held in Mumbai from June 15, 2024 – June 21, 2024. It is one of South Asia’s most revered competitive film festivals for Documentaries, Animation Films, and Short Fiction Films.

Established and organized by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India in 1990, MIFF holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest film festival for non-feature films in South Asia. It is a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and the art of filmmaking. It celebrates and rewards outstanding works in documentary, animation, and short fiction film genres.

Filmmakers from across the world and India are invited to participate. While early bird entry closed on 15 February for all three categories, late entry is still open till February 29th with a late fee. The application process is exclusively online and can be accessed at www.filmfreeway.in and www.miff.in.

The Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) encourages all eligible filmmakers from the state to seize this opportunity to showcase the exceptional quality of filmmaking in Manipur by applying for MIFF 2024.

Secretary | MSFDS

+++