MSFDS Award : Lifetime award for Swarnajit Best Film halo added to Andro Dreams crown

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, May 28 : Renowned makeup artist and art director Ngangbam Swarna-jit was conferred the MSFA Lifetime Achievement Award as Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Imphal presented awards to the winners of  the 16th Manipur State Film Awards (MSFA) 2024, today.
Organised by the MSFDS, the award presentation ceremony held at Palace Compound was graced by Governor AK Bhalla, Chief Minister Yum-nam Khemchand and Art and Culture Minister Kh Loken Singh as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
In the non-feature film category, Andro Dreams won the Best Film award along with several other accolades, while Meena Longjam received the Best Director award for the film.
Andro Dreams is based on the true story of Laibi, a woman who founded a women’s football club, highlighting her determination and pioneering spirit.
Khaba Maimom won the Best Film by a Debut Director award for his film Kwatha Pham Kaba, while Amarejeet Maimbam was conferred with the Special Jury Mention award for the film The Untiring Women.
In the feature film category, Mareibak Ningba Herachandra won the Best Film award while Naorem Pilot who  plays the lead role in the film won the Best Actor award.
Pinky Saikhom won the Best Actor (film) award for the film Thambal.
The Best Director award was given to Haobam Praban Kumar for the film Joseph's Son.
The award aims to encourage artistic achievement, promote creativity and support the continued growth of the Manipuri film industry.
As part of the event, the Official Award Catalogue was released, and the gathering witnessed a demonstration of the Manipuri martial art form,  Thang-Ta, by the Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association.
The MSFA Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred on Ngangbam Swarnajit Singh by the Governor in recognition of his pioneering role as Manipur’s first professional artist in cinema.
The Governor, along with the  Chief Minister and the Minister, also distributed the awards in the non-feature and feature film categories to the winners.
Speaking at the event, the Governor said that Manipuri cinema stands as a powerful medium of storytelling and cultural expression, reflecting the aspirations, struggles, identity and resilience of the people.
He said the strength of Manipuri cinema lies in its rootedness, and urged young filmmakers to preserve local stories, languages, traditions and values while exploring new perspectives and innovative cinematic techniques.
The Governor appreciated the contribution of filmmakers, actors, writers, technicians, critics, researchers and all others associated with the growth of Manipuri cinema.
Khemchand Singh stated that cinema plays an important role in shaping human motivation and social values. Films can leave a lasting impression on people, he said, adding that he was motivated to learn Taekwondo after watching Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon.
He said that despite challenges and a smaller audience base, the Manipuri film industry should continue striving for growth and greater recognition beyond the State.
He also expressed support for the promotion and strengthening of Manipuri cinema.