Lockdown bags best short film award

IMPHAL, Feb 21 (DIPR)
‘Lockdown’, a film directed by Seityabati (Elangbi) bagged the best short film award in the 1st Khapri International Manipuri Short Fiction Film Festival-2021 held today at Meipa Venue, Palace Compound.
The film revolves around the story of a poor family struggling to survive during the COVID-19 lockdown. The award comprises a certificate, a memento and Rs 55,555 in cash.
The second and the third spots for best short film went to “Thoibee” and “Challenge” respectively. A total of 24 films were screened and only 4 were selected by the jury for award consideration.
A film titled “Nongyai” got the Ipak Chairman’s Choice Award while “Challenge” bagged the Special Jury Mention Award.
Lockdown also won the Best Popular People’s Choice Award, Best Film of a Debut Director and Best Editor Award.
“Thoibee” directed by Rajen Leishangthem also won awards for best story, cinematography, directing.
Speaking at the occasion as the chief guest, CAF & PD Minister Th Satyabrata Singh lauded the organisers of the film festival and the film fraternity of Manipur for moving forward and continuing their contribution amidst the painful episodes of the Covid pandemic.
He said, “The screening of four short films today reminds us of the dreadful situation the people of the State had to go through by taking shelter in quarantine centres and struggling for food and other necessary amenities of livelihood during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“I feel a good film is one that dissipates a good, moral message to the society,” he added.
Drawing the attention of the organisers, Satyabrata expressed that it will be a good step if more films based on the remedies and precautions to save mankind from the severe Covid virus are made in public interest.
“It will be good if such film festivals are held from time to time. I hope Ipak Films Production Manipur and Film Forum Manipur will shoulder responsibility in producing good films in future that will help build a better society and stronger State”, he said.
Organising committee member and festival director, Kh Bishwamitra said that the short film movement of Manipur is going on a steady pace  and over the last few years, Manipuri cinema has shown scope for good income and entrepreneurship.
The star-studded award ceremony was attended by festival chairman Dr S Manaoton Singh, Chairman Film Forum Manipur S Mangoljao Singh and Chairman & Managing Director Khapri Industries Pvt Ltd Khangembam Priyojit as guests of honour and special guests respectively.
The function was jointly organised by Ipak Films Production Manipur and Film Forum Manipur. The 15-day online 1st Khapri International Manipuri Short Fiction Film Festival-2021 concluded today with lots of promises and optimism and added a feather to the journey of Manipuri Cinema.
A catalogue was also released during the glittering award ceremony.