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| Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival (EIIFF), 2025. |
Imphal, the heart of Manipur, has become a thriving hub for cinematic excellence with the Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival (EIIFF). This prestigious annual event brings together filmmakers, cinephiles, and storytellers from across the world, celebrating the power of cinema as a medium for cultural expression, artistic innovation, and social change.
A Platform for Global and Local Cinema
The festival aims to position Manipur as an epicenter for independent filmmaking while providing a platform for both local and international filmmakers to showcase their work. With an impressive lineup of films spanning multiple genres, the event highlights the creativity and diversity of cinema.
The second edition of the festival commenced on February 6, 2025, at the City Convention Centre in Imphal. The 2025 edition of EIIFF, is a four-day celebration featuring 54 films from nine different countries, including 38 international titles. Organized by the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) and the Manipur State Film & Television Institute (MSF&TI), the festival has set new benchmarks in film appreciation and cinematic discourse in Northeast India.
Screenings Across Multiple Venues
The festival takes place across four key venues in Imphal:
Manipur State Film Development Society
Chandrakriti Auditorium
Tanthapolis
Kumecs Cinema
Each location hosts screenings of award-winning films, panel discussions, and interactive sessions with filmmakers, ensuring a vibrant and engaging experience for audiences.
Opening with a Classic
EIIFF 2025 opened with the screening of the restored version of "Ishanou", a celebrated Manipuri film directed by the legendary Aribam Syam Sharma. This masterpiece, recognized globally for its cultural significance, set the perfect tone for a festival dedicated to artistic brilliance and cinematic storytelling.
Competitions and Special Sections
The festival is divided into competitive and non-competitive categories, with two major competition sections:
Fiction: Featuring 11 films, including seven international entries and four Indian productions.
Non-Fiction: Showcasing thought-provoking documentaries and experimental films.
Special screenings, retrospectives, and discussions with industry veterans add to the depth of the festival’s programming.
A Ray of Hope Amidst Unrest
Despite the challenges faced by Manipur in recent times due to socio-political unrest, the Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival stands as a beacon of unity and resilience. It provides a much-needed space for dialogue, artistic exchange, and cultural pride. By promoting indigenous narratives and independent voices, the festival reinforces the importance of cinema as a tool for storytelling, representation, and peacebuilding.
Looking Forward
As the festival continues to grow in stature, it aspires to become one of the leading international film festivals in Northeast India. With its unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and fostering cinematic discourse, EIIFF is set to redefine Manipur’s role in the global film landscape.
For cinephiles, filmmakers, and culture enthusiasts, the Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival is more than just a film showcase—it is a movement that brings the world to Manipur and takes Manipur to the world.
For a glimpse into the festival's activities, you can watch highlights from Day 3 of the EIIFF 2025: