Governor Bhalla also commented that such talents should be showcased at the National level
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It is the birthplace of polo and a land celebrated for its rich cultural and artistic heritage and is especially known for its strong cinematic audience base. Building on the success of the inaugural Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival (EIIFF) in 2022, which was conceived to celebrate the art of cinema and establish Manipur as a strategic hub for independent filmmaking, the 2nd EIIFF, scheduled to take place from 6–9 February 2025 in Imphal.
The Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla, was briefed today at the Raj Bhavan, Imphal by Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, Secretary of Manipur State Film Development Society and Alexander Leo Pao, Director of Manipur State Film and Television Institute along with journalist Biswadeep Gupta about the background, film ecosystem of the state as well as the various activities undertaken in last few years.
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Ajay Kumar Bhalla while taking a deep interest has consented to grace the closing ceremony of the event. He also commented that such talents should be showcased at the National level.
Chief Minister of Manipur N. Biren Singh on 26th January at the sideline of the Republic Day celebration has echoed that this Imphal International Film Festival will showcase to the world how Manipur has restored peace and that all will enjoy the event.
With a vision to position EIIFF as a leading international film festival in this region the upcoming edition has been thoughtfully curated to feature, a selection of major cinematic works of recent times; Industry Engagement and Pitch Sessions (Documentary & Fiction); Masterclasses, In-Depth Dialogues on cinematic storytelling, and Panel Discussions: Showcases, including World Lenses, Northeast Currents; Eikhoigi Classics, Manipuri Cinema, Remastered: The Light Of Manipuri
The Competition Section would have 2 (two) categories; a Documentary Film Competition and a feature-length Fiction Film Competition (for films produced between January 2023 and December 2024)
Two cash awards will be presented in each category of the competition section, each including an award citation, Brass EIIFF Trophy, a traditional scarf, and a cash prize: Best Documentary Film of 3 Lakhs and Best Fiction Film of 5 Lakhs.
The festival will also feature independent jury awards presented by Film Critics bodies. These awards will include a citation, EIIFF trophy, and traditional scarf, but no cash prize.
The festival will showcase critically acclaimed films from prominent festivals worldwide as well as exclusively feature films from the Northeast region to highlight its cinematic journey.
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Titled “Eikhoigi Classics”, the section will feature works from three Manipur masters in short films, documentary films, and feature-length fiction films.
The Manipuri Cinema section will showcase contemporary Manipuri films and emerging directors, highlighting current trends and the future of Manipuri cinema.
The Light Of Manipuri Cinema section titled ‘Remastered’ will honour the illustrious journey of Manipuri Cinema, which began in 1972.
In addition to film screenings and competitions, the 2nd EIIFF will feature several industry-related events, like Masterclasses, Panel Discussions, Conversations, Film Corner and One-to-One Sessions
To empower filmmakers from the region and align the filmmaking ecosystem with global standards, EIIFF 2025 will feature two pitching forums—one for fiction projects and another for non-fiction projects. Ten projects in each category will be selected for incubation and mentorship, culminating in a pitch to Industry Experts, Festival Curators, Film Commissioners, Sales Agents and Broadcasters.
Awards will be given for: Best Pitch (Fiction) of 3 Lakhs and Best Pitch (Non-Fiction) of 2 Lakhs
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Filmmakers, industry stakeholders (national and international), film stars, prominent film personalities, and critics are coming forward to join the festivity which is going to be one of the biggest film festivals in the region with 12 countries participating, 55 films being showcased in five theatres in Imphal and more than 1.5 million Rupees of cash awards being given during the festival.
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