The Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) is set to host the 7th Sangai Film Festival from November 24 to 28 at its complex in Palace Gate, Imphal. Celebrated as one of the key cultural events of the Sangai season, the festival aims to promote cinematic creativity, revive classic works, and highlight the role of film as a powerful medium of cultural expression.

The festival will open with Orchids of Manipur, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma. The film, which explores environmental themes, received the Best Non-Feature Environment/Conservation/Preservation Film at the 41st National Film Awards.

A major highlight of this year’s edition is the curated section titled “Rediscovering Manipur: Digitally Remastered Classics,” presented by NFAI and MSFDS. The segment will screen restored Manipuri classics including Sambal Wangma by K. Ibohal Sharma, Chatledo Eidi by Makhonmani Mongshaba, Kanaga Hinghouni by Chan Heisnam and Khwairakpam Biswamitra, as well as Hayengna Kanagino and Operation Sangai, both directed by Laimayum Surjakanta Sharma.

The festival will also feature screenings of the Manipur State Film Award-winning films of 2023–24, along with the Docedge Package of internationally acclaimed documentaries in collaboration with Documentary Resource Initiative. Additionally, a “New Voices of Manipur” Short Film Package will showcase emerging filmmakers and their fresh perspectives.

To encourage dialogue within the film community, an In-Conversation session titled “From Idea to Screen: Financing and Finding Audience” will be held during the festival. The panel will include Nilotpal Majumdar, founder of DocEdge Kolkata; Ranajit Ray, FTII alumnus and veteran cinematographer; and Romi Meitei, one of Manipur’s most celebrated filmmakers. The discussion will be moderated by award-winning independent filmmaker Bobo Khuraijam.

As the festival enters its seventh edition, MSFDS emphasised its commitment to celebrating Manipur’s cinematic heritage and