Imphal: The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles has announced the screening of the Manipuri film ‘Ishanou’ on March 11 as part of “Emotion in Colour: A Kaleidoscope of Indian Cinema”.
The “Emotion in Colour: A Kaleidoscope of Indian Cinema” is a curated selection of 12 iconic films from India, which will be screened from March 7 to April 19.
Directed by the eminent Manipuri filmmaker, Aribam Syam Sharma, Ishanou is a timeless gem that first captivated audiences at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard in 1991.
The film was later restored by the Manipur State Film Development Society with the help of Shivendra Singh Dungarpur’s Film Heritage Foundation Mumbai, a non-profit on a mission to preserve India’s film heritage.
This series has been thoughtfully curated by renowned filmmaker and preservationist Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, the founding director of Film Heritage Foundation.
The film screenings feature a diverse selection of classic and acclaimed Indian cinema.
Manipuri film “Ishanou” will join classics like “Mother India,” “Manthan,” “Amar Akbar Anthony,” “Mirch Masala,” “Devdas,” “Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge,” “Jodhaa Akbar,” “Kanchenjungha,” “Maya Darpan,” “Iruvar,” and “Kummatty”.
Its restored version was officially selected for the Cannes Classics Section in 2023, reaffirming its significance in global cinema.
Deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual traditions of Manipur, Ishanou is a poetic exploration of the enigmatic Maibi priestesses and their mystical world.
The screening of ‘Ishanou’ at the Academy Museum, a rare and prestigious event, highlights both the film’s significance and the increasing global appreciation for Manipuri cinema’s artistic legacy.
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“When the Academy Museum invited me to curate a program of Indian films, I saw a rare opportunity to present the unparalleled diversity and vibrancy of Indian cinema in color to a largely unfamiliar audience. These twelve films are more than just a celebration of cinematic artistry; they are a vivid mosaic of language, culture, and color, offering audiences in Los Angeles a glimpse into the boundless kaleidoscope of Indian cinema.” Curator Shivendra Singh Dungarpur said.
