Amid unrest, Manipur to host 4-day Int’l Film Festival

Manipur, a land renowned for its rich cultural and cinematic legacy, is set to celebrate the 2nd edition of the ‘Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival (EIIFF)-2025’ from February 6 to promote the art of cinema and position the state as a strategic hub for independent filmmaking. Festival Director Sunzu Bachaspatimayum on Monday said that the four-day EIIFF-2025 in Imphal from February 6, would feature 54 films, including 38 international titles from Germany, Australia, Iran, Norway, Syria, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Bhutan. Bachaspatimayum, who is also the Secretary of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), during a media briefing, introduced the creator of the Festival Memento, renowned artist Robin Wahengbam, who previously designed the mascot for the 1999 National Games held in Manipur. The memento, featuring the Manipuri Pony, symbolises the enduring spirit of cinema and Manipur’s artistic resilience. Wahengbam shared that his design concept was inspired by the relentless energy of both the film industry and the Manipuri Pony, aiming to spotlight the need for the conservation of this endangered indigenous breed. With a vision to elevate EIIFF as a premier international film festival in the region, this edition features an exceptional lineup of critically acclaimed films from global festivals alongside a dedicated showcase of cinema from northeast India. (IANS)