Two Manipuri film-makers to be the Jury of the Indian Panorama Section
GOA, November 21: The Indian Panorama section at the ongoing 46th International Film Festival of India 2015 at Goa was inaugurated today by the Minister of State for Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore at INOX, Old GMC Building, Campal, Panjim, Goa.
It was a packed auditorium at INOX and the inauguration function was attended by a large number of directors and cast & crew of the opening films.
This year two Manipuri film-makers will be the members of the respective Jury of the feature and the non-feature category of the Indian Panorama section of IFFI 2015. Renowned Manipuri director Aribam Syam Sharma is to be the Chairman of the Feature Jury while another film-maker of Manipur Sunzu Baspatimayum will be member of the Non-feature Jury which is to be chaired by Rajendra Janglay, winner of four National awards.
Sanskrit film “Priyamanasam” is the opening film in the feature section, while docu-movie “Goonga Pehalwan”, based on the life and struggles of Virender Singh, one of India’s most accomplished deaf athletes kick-started the non-feature category.
Addressing the gathering during the inauguration, Rathore stated, “It is my proud privilege to be here today. I am in the company of people who are experts in story-telling. Films are a very important and powerful medium in spreading message across the world. It promotes friendship. Films made in any part of the world are enjoyed across the globe irrespective of language”. The minister also felicitated all the jury members and the cast and makers of the opening films.
The Indian Panorama section received a total of 384 films from different regions of the country including 238 Feature and 146 Non-Feature films. This year will screen 26 features in 10 Indian languages including Sanskrit, Wancho, Bodo and Konkani, and 21 non-feature films.
The enthusiasm and excitement of this edition of the festival, particularly to the Manipuri film lovers, will be the screening of fourteen films of Aribam Syam Sharma including the famous “Emagi Ningthem” which will be shown during the festival in the Retrospective Section as well as in the Focus on North East Cinema section of the festival.
“Phum Shang” another award winning documentary of Pawan Kumar Haobam will also be screened in the non-feature category of the Indian Panorama section.