Asem Bhakta, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: (Waari Singbul Network) Amidst the unsettling news emerging from Manipur since the unrest that began on May 3, 2023, a ray of hope and pride breaks through from the international stage. At the recently concluded 20th Karan International Film Festival in Kazan, Russia, Manipuri filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar’s feature, Joseph’s Son, received the prestigious Special Jury Mention, marking a moment of celebration for the state.
The festival, which ran from September 6 to 11, 2024, is known for its emphasis on cultural dialogue and human values. This recognition for Haobam comes just a year after another Manipuri filmmaker, Romi Meitei, won Best Direction for his critically acclaimed film Eikhoigi Yum. The achievements of both filmmakers demonstrate that Manipuri cinema continues to make a significant mark on the global stage, despite the turmoil at home.
Joseph’s Son, one of two films by Haobam showcased at the festival, follows a father’s journey in search of his missing son after a football match in the city. Through the film, Haobam masterfully depicts the ongoing ethnic conflict and social divide in Manipur. Shot across the hill districts of Ukhrul, Kangpokpi, Tamenglong and Imphal, the film reflects the complex dynamics between the hill tribes and the valley-dwellers in Manipur, exploring themes of trauma, identity, and resilience.
What sets Joseph’s Son apart is Haobam’s choice to represent Manipur’s diverse cultural fabric through language. The film’s dialogue is a mix of Tangkhul, Meiteilon, Thadou, Nepali, and Bihari, with Tangkhul folk singer Rewben Mashangva playing the lead role. This multilingual approach gives the film a unique authenticity, celebrating Manipur’s mosaic of communities.
Haobam’s first venture into fiction, Loktak Leirembee (Lady of the Lake), had already established him as a voice of Manipuri cinema on the international stage with its poetic style and political commentary. With Joseph’s Son, Haobam continues to bring Manipur’s stories to the world, showcasing the challenges and beauty of a state shaped by its socio-political struggles.
The Kazan International Film Festival 2024 brought together over 140 films from 40 countries, fostering cultural exchange through the art of cinema. The main competition, which featured Joseph’s Son, focused on films that highlight moral dilemmas and human resilience. The festival concluded with an awards ceremony at the Galiasgar Kamal Tatar State Academic Theater, where filmmakers and audiences celebrated the diverse narratives showcased.
While Joseph’s Son earned its Special Jury Mention, the top prize for Best Feature Film went to Legends of Eternal Snows by Russian director Alexey Romanov. The NETPAC Award was given to Glass Curtain by Fikret Reyhan from Turkey.
Amidst the ongoing challenges, the international recognition of Haobam’s work offers Manipur a beacon of hope, highlighting the resilience and creativity that continues to flourish in the state.
