Films on Irom Sharmila selected for Mumbai fest
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 19 2011: Two films on anti military act campaigner Irom Sharmila Chanu'The Silent Poet in International competition section upto 40 minutes' and 'SOS in international information section'among four from restive Manipur have been selected for the 12th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIIF), 2012 .

Directed by young film maker Borun Thokchom, 'The Silent Poet' had been recommended as the best documentary award in the 2nd Siliguri International short and documentary film festival held last month.

This time, the film has been selected in the international competition section of the week-long festival to be held in Mumbai in February next year, while 'SOS' directed by Saikhom Ratan and RK Suresh has been selected for the International information section.

The other two films selected for the festival include 'Rock and Egg' by Romi Meitei and 'April 6th' By Chandam Natraj.

While 'Rock and Egg' has been selected for International fiction competition section 'April 6' is adjudged for Indian documentary competition Section.

It may be recalled that Romi Meitei's "Rock and Egg" was selected for screening at the in the Indian Panorama section of International Film Festival in India at Goa at the early part of this month in Short film category.

The objective of the 12th edition of the MIFF for documentary, short and animation films is to act as a catalyst for new ideas and provide a pedestal for new and budding film makers from across the country, said Bankim, Director General, Films Division.

During the festival, workshops, seminars and open forums would be held.

MIFF 2012 would focus more on information dissemination and education and twelve awards will be given in various categories, he said adding that the festival has attracted a total of 799 entries from 37 countries across the globe.

"I am so glad with the great news of my film being selected again for international festival.

My film deserves to get an entry into the prestigious MIIF," an elated Borun from Kongba in Imphal East, said.

Demanding repeal of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act that gives sweeping powers to the armed forces even to the extent to shoot man on mere suspicion, Sharmila (39) has been on a hunger fast since November 5, 2000 .

She embarked on her extraordinary mission a couple of days after Assam Rifles soldiers mowed down ten civilians including a child bravery award winner along Tiddim road in Imphal West.

She is currently being forced fed through nose at the security ward of the state-run Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (Jnims) close to her Kongkham Leikai residence in Imphal East.

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