In its move to highlight the pioneering contribution of various filmmakers of Manipur and the journey of Manipuri cinema, Film Society of Manipur (FSM) is set to launch its unique film festival – Know Your Filmmaker – today.
The aptly titled weekly event would go online and would conclude on September 26.
On Mondays, two major movies of a filmmaker will be made available online for a week. Further, the filmmaker will be available on the following weekend for live interaction with an expert on Manipuri cinema.
The festival has been made free-for-all. However, one has to have prior registration to watch the films and the talks.
The first session of the four-part series stars today with Makhonmani Mongsaba’s two critically acclaimed films Chatlaedo Eidi made in 2000 and Magi Matambakta (made in 2018). Both the films will be available for view till September 5.
On September 5, at 4 pm, the filmmaker will be in conversation with filmmaker and national award winning film writer Bobby Wahengbam. The filmmaker will also answer the questions put to him by the registered delegates during the conversation session.
Makhonmani Mongsaba is an eminent film maker who received National Award for Chatledi Eidi. His films have also been invited to International Film Festival of India, Delhi International Film Festival, Ladakh International Film festival, Bengaluru International Film Festival and Third Eye Asian Film Festival, Mumbai.
The second of the series on September 6 will showcase two feature films- Meiree (1998) and Nongju Ahing (2002) – directed by Laimayum Surjakanta Sharma. Both the films will be available for view till September 12, the day he would be in conversation with Meghachandra Kongbam, National Award winner film critic and FSM president, at 4 pm.
Laimayum Surjakanta Sharma holds a rare record. The well-known cinematographer has produced two feature films and directed four feature films apart from being behind the camera for 14 feature films and editing 13 features and audiographer of 10 feature films. He has also been the lyricist for his film.
On 13 September, the third session of the series will feature two films – Masangtheigee Mang (2001) and Mami Sami (2008) directed by Ningthoucha Lancha. Both the films will be available for public view till September 19 when the filmmaker will be available online for a live talk with FSM Vive President Salam Rajesh at 4 pm.
Ningthoucha Lancha’s films have been screened twice at International Film Festival of India.
The fourth and final session of the online festival on September 20 has scheduled two national award winning documentary films – Heart to Heart (2010) and Shingnaba (2008) – made by actor turned director Sunzu Bachaspatimayum. FSM Secretary and filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar will conduct the live interaction with the filmmaker on September 26 at 4 pm.
