After a year of silence, Manipuri cinema has reclaimed the national spotlight with two powerful selections at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025. The Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) announced that both a feature film and a documentary from the state have been chosen for the prestigious Indian Panorama — marking a resurgent moment for one of India’s most quietly resilient film movements.

Filmmaker Borun Thokchom’s feature-length documentary Battlefield has been officially selected in the non-feature section, while debutant director Dinesh Naorem’s Oitharei (Save My Soul) will represent Manipur in the feature section.For Manipuri cinema, this dual selection marks a return to the national stage after years of absence.

The last Manipuri feature to enter

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