IMPHAL: Manipuri filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar’s feature films, ‘Joseph’s Son’ and ‘Nine Hills One Valley’, have been selected for the 20th Altyn Minbar Karan International Film Festival in Kazan, Russia.
The film ‘Joseph’s Son’ will compete for the main awards in the festival’s competition section, ‘Nine Hills One Valley’ will feature in the non-competition section under the ‘The Fate of Indian Tribes’ category.
The festival, scheduled from September 6 to 11, is known for its focus on cultural dialogue and human values.
The selection of filmmaker Haobam’s films is a proud moment for the state, as the films will provide the global audience an insight into a region, often overshadowed by mainstream narratives.
The film festival, which started in 2005, has become a significant cultural event, drawing filmmakers and cinephiles around the world.
Joseph’s Son narrates the poignant journey of a father searching for his missing son, who disappeared after a football match in the city. Through this narrative, Haobam captures the trauma and hardships faced daily in a state scarred by insurgency and ethnic conflict.
The film features dialogues in Tangkhul, Meiteilon, Thadou, Nepali, and Bihari, with Tangkhul folk singer Rewben Mashangva portraying the protagonist.
Haobam’s foray into fiction began with his debut film ‘Loktak Leirembee’ (Lady of the Lake) in 2016, which was acclaimed for its poetic style and political commentary. The film premiered at the Berlin and Busan International Film Festivals.
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Haobam’s documentary ‘A Cry in the Dark’ was the first Manipuri documentary to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2006, highlighting pressing social issues like the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.
