The winners of 9th Manipuri Film Awards (MANIFA) organised by THOUNA and Film Forum Manipur were announced on Sunday.
‘Eikhoisibu Kanano’, directed by Ajit Yumnam and produced by Brojen Yumnam has bagged the Best Manipuri Feature Film award of the 9th MANIFA, 2020. The Best Story award was also won by Nabakumar Nongmeikapam for the film. Ajit Yumnam also won the Best Director and Best Screenplay awards for the film ‘Eikhoisibu Kanano’.
The Best Actor in Leading Role (Female) has been shared by Bala Hijam and Biju Ningombam for their appearances in the films ‘Inamma’ and ‘Ei Actor Natte’ respectively while the Best Actor in Leading Role (Male) has been awarded to A Gokul Singh for the film ‘Inamma’.
Award for Best Actor in Supporting Role (Female) was won by N Rina for the film ‘Ichadi Manini’ while Best Actor in Supporting Role (Male) was won by Wanglenthoiba for the film ‘Mamal Naidraba Thamoi’.
‘Charawui Rai’, directed and produced by Makanmi Ramror was announced winner of the Best Feature Film on Tribal Dialect of Manipur. The Best Actor in Tribal Dialect Film award was won by Aboi Chothe for the film ‘Lungset Um Zouzam’ while the Best Actress in Tribal Dialect Film was won by Angel Shimrah in ‘Charawui Rai’.
The other award winners include Amir Luwang (Best Costume) for the film ‘Eikhoisibu Kanano’, Dabo Wangkheimayum (Best Make-Up) for the film ‘Eikhoisibu Kanano’, Ajit Yumnam (Best Lyricist), Rosy Heisnam (Best Playback Singer for Female), Deepu Khunung (Best Playback Singer for Male), A Gopeshwor (Best Music Director), Shananda Sharma (Best Audiography), RK Birendrajit and Karnajit Laishram (Best Background Score), Irom John Meitei and Ady Yengkokpam (Best Art Director), Dhana Luwang (Best Cinematography), L Mohendro (Best Editing), Babycha Salam (Best Choreography).
The Special Jury Award was won by Amar Mayanglambam for the film ‘Ichadi Manini’ while the Special Mention Award was won by Elwin Langkham for the film Charawui Rai.
Meanwhile, the winner of the Maipak Sanahal Manipuri Jagoi Lifetime Mana was Ningombam Madhabi of Heirangoithong, Neta Irawat Leelaroi Lifetime Mana (Shumang Leela) was won by Bramhacharimayum Jugolchandra of Keishamthong Hodam Leirak and Neta Irawat Leelaroi Lifetime Mana (Manipuri Cinema) was won by Moirangthem Nilamani of Sagolband Salam Leikai.
Festival director, Y Nilachandra, in the introductory speech of the award winners announcing function held virtually, said that MANIFA has been organised annually since 2012 by THOUNA and Film Forum Manipur.
He stated that this year’s function was held virtually as necessitated by the prevailing threat of COVID-19 pandemic. The awards will be also distributed in the 10th MANIFA to be held early next year, informed a release from the organisers.
