AT Photo
Guwahati, Oct 24: ‘Mirbeen’, a Karbi language film directed by Mridul Gupta is the only feature film from Northeast that was selected for the Indian Panorama, the flagship component of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
In the non-feature section, six films from the region have been selected and majority of them are from Assam. Altogether 25 feature films and 20 non-feature films will be showcased at the 54th IFFI to be held from November 20 to 28. The announcement came on Monday.
Mridul Gupta is elated at the development. “It’s good news for all of us. The story is close to me and we all worked hard to make it happen. Now, the film gets a much bigger platform. I hope our hard work has paid off,” Mridul Gupta told The Assam Tribune.
Protagonist Mirbeen, inspired by her grandmother's tales of Serdihun, the God of Textile in Karbi tribal beliefs, yearned for a meaningful life. However, in 2005, violent conflicts engulfed the Karbi land, reducing her idyllic village to ashes. She lost her friend Kaban and many relatives to this brutality. Despite the darkness and conflicts, Mirbeen remained determined not to give in. The story of Serdihun, imprinted by her grandmother, fueled her dream for a more meaningful life.
“From time to time, the social, political and economic environment crushes everyone. No one escapes, guilty or innocent. Ironically, those who want to live a very simple life suffer the most. Such incidents have been happening all over the world since ancient times. ‘Mirbeen’ reflects a society - where some have lost their lives, some have lost their way in the social frenzy but some individuals shine with dignity and courage,” Gupta added.
Malin Tisopi has played the protagonist while Rajib Kro, Bipul Terang, Rengka Ingtipi and others will be seen in key roles.
The film is produced by Dhaniram Tisso. The story and script is done by Manimala Das while the director of photography is Pradip Doimari. Tarali Sharma has done the music.
Apart from ‘Mirbeen’, several other Northeast films have been selected in the non-feature section of the Indian Panorama. These are – ‘Andro Dreams’ (Manipuri) by Meena Longjam, ‘Baruar Xongxar’ (Assamese) by Utpal Borpujari, ‘Kathabor’ (Assamese) by Keshar Jyoti Das, ‘Lachit’ (The Warrior) (Assamese) by Parthasarathi Mahanta, ‘Last Meet’ (Manipuri) by Waribam Dorendra Singh and ‘Mau: The Spirit Dreams Of Cheraw’ (Mizo) by Shilpika Bordoloi.
