Meitei cinema

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This article is about the Manipuri-language film industry. For the entire film industry of Manipur, see Cinema of Manipur.

Further information: Meitei language in Bangladesh § Meitei cinema

Meitei cinema <br /> Maniwood
An illustration of the Maniwood clapperboard
No. of screens	<!-- <ref name=screens_uis>"Table 8: Cinema Infrastructure - Capacity". UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Retrieved 5 November 2013.</ref> -->
• Per capita	<!-- per 100,000 <ref name=screens_uis/> -->
Main distributors	<!-- entry1 entry2 entry3 <ref name=distributors_uis>"Table 6: Share of Top 3 distributors (Excel)". UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Retrieved 5 November 2013.</ref> --> Film Forum Manipur (FFM) Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS)
Produced feature films<!-- <ref name=production_uis>"Table 1: Feature Film Production - Genre/Method of Shooting". UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Retrieved 5 November 2013.</ref> -->
Total	60-70<ref>"'Mary Kom' earns Rs 28.32 cr at box office in first weekend". Business Today. 9 September 2014. Retrieved 31 July 2023. ... Meanwhile, producers are trying to release the film in Kom's hometown, where around 60 to 70 films in Meitei language are made in a year. ...</ref><ref>Bag, Shamik (10 October 2015). "Being a movie buff in Imphal". mint. Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref>
Gross box office<!-- <ref name=adm_gross_uis/> -->
Total	<!-- $ -->
National films	<!-- $ -->

Meitei cinema (), also known as Maniwood, is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Meitei language (officially called Manipuri language), widely spoken in the state of Manipur. The popular term Maniwood, is a portmanteau of "Manipuri" (official name of Meitei) and "Hollywood". Since its inception, Meitei cinema has played a significant role in the Meitei linguistic purism movement, often emphasizing proper Meitei language in place of pidgin dialects.<ref>Bag, Shamik (10 October 2015). "Being a movie buff in Imphal". mint. Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref>

The origins of Meitei cinema date back to Matamgi Manipur (Meitei for 'Today's Manipur'), released in 1972 as the first full-length Meitei-language film and the first film made in Manipur.<ref>"Matamgi Manipur on Moviebuff.com". Moviebuff.com. Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref><ref>"Manipuri cinema in the last three decades". e-pao.net. Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref> The film won the President's Medal at the 20th National Film Awards, establishing a milestone in Manipuri cinema.<ref>"Now Showing MATAMGI MANIPUR". www.e-pao.net. Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref> Another landmark came with Imagi Ningthem (Meitei for 'My Son, My Precious') in 1981, which brought international recognition by winning the Golden Montgolfiere at the 1982 Festival des 3 Continents in Nantes, elevating Indian cinema on the global stage.<ref>"Digitised Imagi Ningthem screened at Pune film fest : 15th jan14 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref><ref>"New book traces journey of Manipuri cinema". The Hindu. 6 April 2022. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref>

In 1990, Ishanou (Meitei for 'The Chosen One') gained further acclaim, being screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 1991 Cannes Film Festival.<ref>"Festival de Cannes: The Chosen One". festival-cannes.com. Retrieved 10 August 2009.</ref> This film was re-recognized in 2023 by Cannes as a "World Classic," marking its significance as the only Indian film selected for the event that year.<ref>"Manipuri feature film 'ISHANOU' recognised as World Classic". The Economic Times. 6 May 2023. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref><ref>"Aribam Syam Sharma's ISHANOU recognised as World Classic". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref><ref>"Manipuri Film 'Ishanou' Becomes India's Only Restored Film To Be Screened At Cannes 2023". Outlook India.</ref> Additionally, Keibu Keioiba (Meitei for 'Tiger-Head') became the first animation film in the Meitei language and in Manipuri cinema in 2009.<ref>Singh, Naorem Nishikanta (7 November 2013). "Bhumenjoy Konsam on the Chemistry of Making Keibu-Kei-Oiba – Part II | Manipur Times". Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref><ref>"Manipur fable from Shrek stable - Pune-based visual designer makes region's first animation film". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref><ref>Singh, Naorem Nishikanta (22 October 2013). "Bhumenjoy Konsam on the Chemistry of Making Keibu-Kei-Oiba – Part I | Manipur Times". Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref>

Reflecting local culture, since 2012, Maniwood has observed a dress code guideline: “If you wear jeans thrice on screen, you have to wear Manipuri dresses four times.” This practice reflects the Maniwood culture’s dedication to representing the Manipuri lifestyle and traditional attire. According to acclaimed director Aribam Syam Sharma, Meitei cinema authentically portrays the way of life and thinking of the Manipuri people.<ref>Bag, Shamik (10 October 2015). "Being a movie buff in Imphal". mint. Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref>

Today, Ishanou, Oneness, and Eikhoigi Yum are among the top-rated Manipuri films on IMDb as of 2023, showcasing the enduring appeal of Meitei cinema among audiences.<ref>"Ishanou, Oneness, and Eikhoigi Yum become IMDb's top 3 Manipuri movies". East Mojo. 22 August 2023. Retrieved 23 August 2023.</ref>

History

Era of celluloid classic feature films (1972-1989)

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

Year	Original Title <br /> (in Meitei script)	Romanization	Director	Producer	Banner	Format	Note(s)/Reference(s)
1972	ꯃꯇꯝꯒꯤ ꯃꯅꯤꯄꯨꯔ	Matamgee Manipur	Deb Kumar Bose	K. Manimohan	T.K. Films Private Ltd.	35mm Black and White	<ref name=":E-rang_Classic_Celluloid">"major film - E-rang Classic :: E-pao Movie Channel". e-pao.org. Retrieved 9 August 2023.</ref><ref name=":Feature_Films_Classic">"Manipuri Feature Films 1972 1997 - E-rang Classic". Retrieved 9 August 2023.</ref>
1973	ꯕ꯭ꯔꯣꯖꯦꯟꯗ꯭ꯔꯣ ꯒꯤ ꯂꯨꯍꯣꯡꯕ	Brojendra Gee Luhongba	S.N. Chand	S.N. Chand	Sajatia Pictures	35mm Black and White	<ref name=":E-rang_Classic_Celluloid" /><ref name=":Feature_Films_Classic" />
1974	ꯂꯝꯖꯥ ꯄꯔꯁꯨꯔꯥꯝ	Lamja Parsuram	Aribam Syam Sharma	G. Narayan Sharma	N.S. Films	35mm Black and White	<ref name=":E-rang_Classic_Celluloid" /><ref name=":Feature_Films_Classic" />
1974	ꯉꯛ-ꯏ-ꯀꯣ ꯅꯪꯁꯦ	Ngak-E-Ko Nangse	S.N. Chand	W. Basant Kumar	Poonam Films	35mm Black and White	<ref name=":E-rang_Classic_Celluloid" /><ref name=":Feature_Films_Classic" />
1976	ꯁꯥꯐꯕꯤ	Shaphabee	Aribam Syam Sharma	G. Narayan Sharma	N.S. Films	35mm Black and White	<ref name=":E-rang_Classic_Celluloid" /><ref name=":Feature_Films_Classic" />
1979	ꯈꯨꯊꯥꯡ ꯂꯝꯖꯦꯜ	Khuthang Lamjel	G.C. Tongbra	Th. Haridas	A.T. Films	35mm Black and White (some parts were colour)	<ref name=":E-rang_Classic_Celluloid" /><ref name=":Feature_Films_Classic" />
1979	ꯑꯣꯂꯥꯡꯊꯥꯒꯤ ꯋꯥꯡꯃꯗꯁꯨ	Olangthagee Wangmadasoo	Aribam Syam Sharma	G. Narayan Sharma	N.S. Films	35mm Black and White	<ref name=":E-rang_Classic_Celluloid" /><ref name=":Feature_Films_Classic" />
1981	ꯏꯃꯥꯒꯤ ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯦꯝ	Imagee Ningthem	Aribam Syam Sharma	K. Ibohal Sharma	X-Cine Productions	16mm Converted to 35mm blowup (Black and White)	<ref name=":E-rang_Classic_Celluloid" /><ref name=":Feature_Films_Classic" />
1981	ꯈꯣꯟꯖꯦꯜ	Khonjel	M.Nilamani	M.Nilamani	Anjana Films	35mm Black and White	<ref name=":E-rang_Classic_Celluloid" /><ref name=":Feature_Films_Classic" />
1981	ꯋꯥꯡꯃ ꯋꯥꯡꯃ	Wangma Wangma	L. Banka Sharma	L. Shyamsundar	Eastern Star Films	35mm Black and White	<ref name=":E-rang_Classic_Celluloid" /><ref name=":Feature_Films_Classic" />
1983	ꯁꯅꯥꯀꯩꯊꯦꯜ	Sanakeithel	M.A. Singh	Doren Thoudam	A.T.B. Films International (India)	35mm Black and White	<ref name=":E-rang_Classic_Celluloid" /><ref name=":Feature_Films_Classic" />
1984	ꯂꯥꯡꯂꯦꯟ ꯊꯥꯗꯣꯏ	Langlen Thadoi	M.A. Singh	Kh. Shakhi Devi	Kay Pee Films International (India)	16mm Convert-ed to 35mm blowup (Colour)	<ref name=":E-rang_Classic_Celluloid" /><ref name=":Feature_Films_Classic" />
1984	ꯌꯥꯏꯔꯤꯄꯣꯛ ꯊꯝꯕꯥꯜꯅꯨ	Yairipok Thambalnu	L. Banka Sharma	H. Gehendra	Liberty Films	35mm Black and White	<ref name=":E-rang_Classic_Celluloid" /><ref name=":Feature_Films_Classic" />
1987	ꯏꯆꯦ ꯁꯈꯤ	Eche Shakhi	Doren Thoudam & H. Ibotombi	Doren Thoudam	A.T.B. Films International (India)	16mm Converted to 35mm blowup Colour	<ref name=":E-rang_Classic_Celluloid" /><ref name=":Feature_Films_Classic" />
1989	ꯀꯣꯝꯕꯤꯔꯩ	Kombirei	G. Narayan Sharma	G. Narayan Sharma	N.S. Films	35mm Colour	<ref name=":E-rang_Classic_Celluloid" /><ref name=":Feature_Films_Classic" />

Cast and crew

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

Actors

• Oken Amakcham
• Gokul Athokpam
• Gurumayum Bonny
• Shougrakpam Hemanta
• Kaiku Rajkumar
• Priyakanta Laishram
• Makhonmani Mongsaba
• Lairenjam Olen
• Hamom Sadananda
• Bijou Thaangjam
• Chinglen Thiyam
• Bonium Thokchom
• Kangabam Tomba

Actresses

• Maya Choudhury
• Leishangthem Tonthoingambi
• Abenao Elangbam
• Bala Hijam
• Lin Laishram
• Soma Laishram
• Manda Leima
• Sushmita Mangsatabam
• Biju Ningombam
• Kshetrimayum Rashi
• Yengkhom Roma
• Kamala Saikhom
• Huirem Seema
• Tara

Directors

• Oken Amakcham
• Homen D' Wai
• Oinam Gautam Singh
• Romi Meitei
• Makhonmani Mongsaba
• Haobam Paban Kumar
• Aribam Syam Sharma
• Bobby Wahengbam
• Priyakanta Laishram

Awards

National Film Awards

Main article: National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Meitei

Bilingualism

Many Meitei language films have been made with other languages simultaneously.

Meitei and English

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

Year	Title	Director(s)	Ref
2011	Fried Fish, Chicken Soup and a Premiere Show	Mamta Murthy	<ref>"Top film festival with unique selection process|Bandra Film Festival". www.bandrafilmfestival.com. Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref>
2013	Manipuri Pony (film)	Aribam Syam Sharma
2018	Who Said Boys Can't Wear Makeup?	Priyakanta Laishram	<ref>"Manipuri-English film promoting gender-neutral fashion to be screened in Mumbai". 3 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.</ref>
2024	Oneness (film)	Priyakanta Laishram	<ref>"A Manipur film tackles sexual identity for first time". The Indian Express. 25 April 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2023.</ref>

Meitei and Japanese

Year	Title	Director(s)	Ref
2015	My Japanese Niece	Mohen Naorem	<ref>"My Japanese Niece Movie Review (2015) - Rating, Cast & Crew With Synopsis". nettv4u. Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref><ref>Times, Manipur (19 March 2013). ""My Japanese Niece" – a masterpiece from Mohen Naorem | Manipur Times". Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref><ref>"100 Thai soldiers to act in Manipuri film 'My Japanese Niece' : 19th mar13 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref>

Meitei and Portuguese

Year	Meitei Title	Portuguese Title	Director(s)	Ref
2017	Nura Pakhang	Eu e Tu	Romi Meitei	<ref>"Clã gravam video no Porto com a cantora indiana Mangka". Força de Produção (in português). Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref>

Meitei and Tamil

Year	Title	Director(s)	Ref
1996	Language of War	R.V. Ramani	<ref>"Films by R. V. Ramani". Retrieved 31 July 2023. LANGUAGE OF WAR 50 minutes, Tamil/Manipuri, 1996. Photographed, Edited, Directed and Produced by R.V.Ramani</ref>

Meitei and Tangkhul

Year	Title	Director(s)	Ref
2021	Nine Hills One Valley	Haobam Paban Kumar	<ref>"Nine Hills, One Valley wins special mention award in NFDC's Film Bazaar Another feather in the cap for Paban Kumar". www.thesangaiexpress.com. Retrieved 31 July 2023.</ref>

Notable films

Main article: List of Meitei-language films

See also

• List of Meitei-language television channels
• List of Meitei-language newspapers
• Kollywood