12th MANIFA 2025 held at Kakching

The 12th Manipur Film Awards (MANIFA) 2025, organised by THOUNA Manipur in collaboration with the Film Forum Manipur, was held yesterday at the Central Public Hall, Sanggai Lampak, Kakching. The event featured cultural performances and dance, drawing a large gathering from the film fraternity and the public.
The awards, which could not be held in 2023 owing to the prevailing situation in the state, resumed this year. Films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, were considered for the awards.
Three Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented at the ceremony. The Maipak Sanahal Manipuri Dance Lifetime Award was conferred on Laipubam Bino Devi of Brahmapur Laipubam Leikai. The Neta Irawat Leelaroi Lifetime Award for Shumang Leela was presented to A.K. Bengol of Achanbigei Awang Leikai, while the Neta Irawat Leelaroi Lifetime Award for Manipuri Cinema was conferred on Ayekpam Ningol Chongtham Kamala Devi of Thangmeiband.
In the competitive categories, Ratana Kshetrimayum bagged the Best Supporting Actress award for Yahouthengba Khoimu, while Dumga Kshetrimayum won Best Supporting Actor for Mangalsana. Sunita swept several technical awards including Best Make-up (Dabo Wangkheimayum), Best Costume (Nganthoi Luwang), Best Audiographer (Nabapan Deka), Best Art Director (Puinabati Thongam), Best Cinematography (Nihal Bhandari), and Best Editing (Hiranmoy Gogoi). Loijingkhombi Thongam won Best Playback Singer (Female) for the song “Mangal Ama…” from Sunita, while Narmada Shougaijam received the Best Actress in a Leading Role award for the same film.
Other winners included O.C. Meira (Best Lyricist for Ngamnaba Lanfamse), Dipu Khunung (Best Playback Singer – Male for the song “Liklu Ngangkoi Pareng…” from Khomlang Laman), Nanao Sagolmang (Best Music Director for Khomlang Laman), Raju Mutum (Best Background Score for Oitharei), Laishram Lamnganbi (Best Child Artiste for Ngamnaba Lanfamse), and Lambam Premchan (Best Screenplay and Best Story for Oitharei).
Special Jury Awards were presented to The Legacy of Four Generations (producer Maibam Brajeshwari and director Th. Debendra) in the non-feature category, and to actor Billa Ngathem for Mangalsana in the feature category. Special Mention Awards went to Huidrom Nowboy (singer, Yahouthengba Khoimu), Kumarjit Ngangbam (cinematographer, Mangalsana), and the producer-director duo H. Bigyani and Ksh. Priyobrata for Mangalsana.