Knowing about Manipur's struggles, some Russian audience members echoed Meitei's sentiments and vowed to pray...
Digital Desk: Mayanglambam Romi Meitei, a filmmaker from Manipur, won the Best Director award at the 19th Kazan International Muslim Film Festival in Kazan, Russia, gaining prominence on a global scale.
His debut non-commercial film, 'Eikhoigi Yum' (Our Home), garnered this prestigious honour amid stiff competition, with 127 feature films from around the world that participated in several categories.
However, despite this remarkable achievement, Meitei's elation was tempered by the ongoing ethnic conflict that plagues Manipur, his home state. He said, "If there were no strife in Manipur, I would be happier winning this honour. Numerous people have been homeless by the continuous conflict, making winning an award seem meaningless. He made a heartfelt appeal for restoration of peace and normalcy in the state."
Knowing about Manipur's struggles, some Russian audience members echoed Meitei's sentiments and vowed to pray for the state's rapid restoration to normalcy. Romi Meitei, who hails from Kongba in the area of Imphal East, was deeply touched by their empathy.
The narrative of the 89-minute movie "Eikhoigi Yum" revolves around Loktak Lake, the biggest freshwater lake in Northeast India. The film explores the extensive effects of globalization on a distant town with a particular focus on the fishing community that is receiving eviction orders from the government.
The challenges faced by marginalized communities in a changing world are highlighted by this economic upheaval that forces residents to relocate in search of livelihoods.
The acknowledgement of Mayanglambam Romi Meitei on a global scale not only celebrates his artistic talent but also throws light on the urgent problems that Manipur and its resilient people, yearning for peace and stability.
