Manipur: At the 54th IFFI, Manipuri Film Andro Dreams Opens the Indian Panorama Non-feature Film Section

IMPHAL: In the remote village of Andro, nestled in the northeast state of Manipur, a remarkable story unfolds. At 60, Ms. Laibi Phanjoubam defies societal norms by running a handloom and weaving craft shop while simultaneously leading an all-female football club. Her extraordinary journey, chronicled in the 63-minute Manipuri film "Andro Dreams," captivates audiences with its avant-garde portrayal.

National Award-winning Director Ms. Meena Longjam stumbled upon Laibi's trailblazing tale through a small newspaper article. Now, on the silver screen, "Andro Dreams" unfolds the narrative of Laibi, a spirited septuagenarian, and her three-decade-old all-girls' football club, the Andro Mahila Mandal Association Football Club (AMMA-FC). The documentary delves into their challenges and the spotlight on Nirmala, their most promising young football player.

This cinematic chronicle opened the Non-Feature Film Section of the Indian Panorama at the 54th IFFI. What sets it apart is not just the captivating story but also the trinity of a female director, producer, and cast steering the avant-garde documentary.

Director Meena Longjam elucidates Laibi's inspiring journey as the fourth disregarded girl child in her family who overcame odds to become the first woman in her village with a matriculate degree. Laibi's story extends beyond football; she is a primary school teacher and an entrepreneur who established handloom and weaving craft shops in her village.

Laibi herself expresses happiness about the documentary, presenting her reality and struggles to the world. The film aims to shed light on the lives of people in Manipur who often remain unheard and unrepresented in mainstream media.

In an interaction with media at the 54th International Film Festival of India in Goa, Meena Longjam emphasizes that her "accidental" directorial ventures aim to showcase the lives of people in Manipur obscured in mainstream media. "Andro Dreams" captures the real-life struggles of Laibi and the girls in her football club as they fight against all odds.

Executive producer Jani Viswanath, emphasizing the role of women as "silent pillars" of society, expresses her motivation to fund films like "Andro Dreams." She aims to bring talented women to the forefront, providing opportunities and support despite financial constraints.

As the Indian Panorama at IFFI unfolds, "Andro Dreams" stands as a testament to breaking barriers, encouraging women, and showcasing the best of Indian cinema and culture. With 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films, the 54th IFFI promises an excellent cinematic experience for film lovers, celebrating the richness of Indian cinema since the inception of the Indian Panorama in 1978.

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