IMPHAL: Manipur's talented filmmaker, Mayanglambam Romi Meitei, has achieved international acclaim with his debut non-commercial film, "Eikhoigi Yum (Our Home)," by clinching the Best Director award at the prestigious 19th Kazan International Muslim Film Festival (KIMFF) in Russia. Held from September 5 to 9, this festival attracted a remarkable 712 submissions from 44 countries.
Meitei's triumph came in a fiercely competitive program featuring 52 films from 21 diverse countries, including Algeria, Bangladesh, Great Britain, Greece, Egypt, India, Iraq, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, and Turkey.
"Eikhoigi Yum (Our Home)," a gripping 89-minute fiction feature, produced by Chingshubam Sheetal and masterfully directed by Romi Meitei, is set against the backdrop of Loktak, Manipur's largest freshwater lake. The film delves into the poignant tale of a fishing community threatened with eviction.
At its core, the narrative unfolds the profound impact of globalization on a small remote village. The residents are faced with a difficult choice - to leave their ancestral home in search of a livelihood or to cling to their roots. This emotional exploration of the human spirit and the complexities of modernity struck a chord with both the audience and the critics.
Romi Meitei, a celebrated filmmaker hailing from Manipur, has previously received numerous awards at film festivals in India and abroad, solidifying his position as a cinematic force to be reckoned with. In the 69th National Film Awards, "Eikhoigi Yum (Our Home)" was honored as the Best Feature Film in Meiteilon (Manipuri).
The accolades didn't stop there; Meitei's 2021 masterpiece also earned the Best Feature Film award at the 14th Manipur State Film Festival in 2022, further cementing its status as a cinematic gem. The film's universal appeal was demonstrated when it secured the Audience Choice Award for Best Narrative Feature at the Indie Meme Film Festival in 2023, held in Austin City, United States.
Through "Eikhoigi Yum (Our Home)," Romi Meitei has not only showcased his exceptional storytelling skills but has also shed light on the universal struggle of communities grappling with the consequences of modernization. His success at the Kazan International Muslim Film Festival serves as a testament to the power of cinema in bridging cultural divides and resonating with audiences worldwide.
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