Manipuri filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar’s first retrospective will be featured at the 5th edition of the Indian Documentary Film Festival of Bhubaneswar (IDFFB 2024), solidifying his position as a pivotal figure in the world of Manipuri cinema, garnering acclaim both in India and internationally.
This retrospective offers a fitting occasion to reflect on his two-decade-long cinematic journey and the profound impact of his distinctive voice in cinema, stated a release.
Organised by the Film Society of Bhubaneswar from September 26-29 at the Odissi Research Centre Auditorium, IDFFB 2024 will showcase critically acclaimed films that have been featured at major festivals such as Berlin, Sundance, Rotterdam, IDSFFK (Kerala), Busan, New York, and many others, it stated.
It mentioned that his films serve as a lens into the socio-political realities of Manipur, a region marked by a complex history of insurgency, ethnic conflicts, and political unrest. However, his narratives go beyond the constraints of regional cinema, resonating with universal themes of human struggle, resilience, and hope, it stated.
Paban Kumar’s directorial journey began with documentaries. His 2006 documentary, AFSPA 1958, is a landmark work that brought international attention to the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act imposed in the region, it mentioned.
The film, which won the FIPRESCI Award at the 9th Mumbai International Film Festival, is a stark portrayal of the human rights abuses faced by the people of Manipur under the Act. It laid the groundwork for Paban Kumar’s cinematic philosophy of telling stories that matter, giving voice to the voiceless, and to expose the truths that are often swept under the rug, it stated.
Transitioning to feature films, Paban Kumar continued to push boundaries. His debut feature film, Loktak Lairembee (Lady of the Lake), won the Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation at the 64th National Film Awards and the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film at the 2016 Mumbai International Film Festival.
It stated that the retrospective at IDFFB 2024 is a testament to Paban Kumar’s contribution to Indian and global cinema. It is an acknowledgment of his unique voice that continues to challenge, inspire, and provoke. His films are not just works of art but instruments of change, compelling viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and to appreciate the resilience and spirit of the people of Manipur, it stated.
As Haobam Paban Kumar’s body of work is celebrated at this prestigious festival, it is clear that he has not only elevated Manipuri cinema but has also become a beacon for independent filmmakers across the world. His commitment to telling authentic stories, his courage to tackle difficult subjects, and his mastery of the craft make him a distinct and influential voice in contemporary cinema, it added.
