The winners of the much awaited 14th Manipur State Film Award, 2022 were announced today during a function held at Preview Theatre of Manipur State Film Development Society, MSFDS, Palace Compound. 

Out of altogether 15 entries in the feature section, “Eikhoigi Yum” directed by Mayanglambam Romi Meitei and produced by Chingshubam Sheetal and Romi Meitei has adjudged the Best Feature Film by the 7-member Jury Committee, chaired by renowned Filmmaker Oken Amakcham. 

‘Larei Lathup’ directed by Ningthoujam Ojitbabu and produced by Chandam Yaima bagged the title for the Best Popular Film providing wholesome entertainment while Bobby Haobam was named for the Best Direction award of the feature film section. 

Interestingly, two actors including a third gender actor were adjudged winners of the Best Male Actor Award. The winners are Ningthoujam Shilheiba (Dinesh) for the film ‘Nungshi Lottery Phaorehe’ and Bishesh Huirem (transgender) for the film ‘Apaiba Leichil’. 

Jury Chairman Oken Amakcham broached instituting a separate award category for actors of the third gender. He pointed out that Jury members experienced a conflict while deciding the Best Actors as a Third Gender character gave a sterling performance, deserving the State Award for acting. Noting that the third gender actor was made joint winner in the Best Actor (Male) category, he drew the attention of organisers to classify the same as Best Actor (Third Gender). 

Commissioner of Art and Culture Department, M. Joy who announced the winners of the State Film Awards, assured to look into the possibility of instituting a separate award category for the third gender actors. Meanwhile, Ningombam Biju is the winner of the Best Actor (Female) for the film ‘Nungshi Keithel’. 

As for the non-feature section, the Best Non-Feature Film was bagged by ‘Ayekpasinggi Pukkei’ directed by Debendra Thiyam and produced by Brojeshwori Maibam. The film also won the awards for Best Film of a Debut Director, Best Audiographer, Best Music Direction and Best Voice Over or narration. 

‘Pabung Syam’ directed by Haobam Paban Kumar and produced by the Films Division, Mumbai won the Best Biographical Film. The film also won the award for Best Director. 

The award for the Best Film on Social Issues was bagged by ‘Beyond Blast’, which was produced by Sushila Leima Konjengbam and directed by Ratan Saikhom. Sonia Nepram’s ‘Bloody Phanek’ was named the winner of the Special Jury Award.

Speaking in connection with today’s event, Secretary of MSFDS, Sunzu Bachaspatimayum said that there were no entries for the newly introduced competition for music videos. He stated that the organisers incorporated the award for the Best Music Video as it is a stepping stone for entering the film world. He opined that there were no entries as most music videos produced in the State do not obtain censorship certificates. Nevertheless, he exuded confidence that music videos directors and producers will obtain the necessary censorship certificates and apply for the award in the future.