Sonia Nepram, an esteemed executive board member of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), is currently making waves at the prestigious 74th Berlinale in Germany, known globally as the Berlin International Film Festival. This renowned festival, inaugurated on Thursday and scheduled until February 22, stands as one of the foremost events in the world of cinema, presenting a diverse array of international and national films. Nepram’s presence at the festival comes as a result of an official invitation extended by the Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany through its esteemed Visitors Programme. Beyond the opportunity to engage with luminaries of global cinema, such as Martin Scorsese, who is set to receive the Honorary Golden Bear for his lifetime achievement, Nepram anticipates immersing herself in the vibrant culture of Germany.
Entering the realm of documentary filmmaking with her debut film “Gun and a God” in 2013, Nepram delved into the profound impact of armed conflict on women’s lives. Her subsequent directorial venture, “Bloody Phanek” (2017), received funding from the DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) in South Korea. Premiering at the DMZ International Documentary Film Festival, the film garnered acclaim for its exploration of the cultural, personal, and political dimensions of the Phanek, the traditional attire of Manipuri women. During her time at the Berlinale, Nepram’s itinerary includes visits to esteemed institutions such as the Deutsche Kinemathek – Museum für Film und Fernsehen German Film Archive, and the Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF, where discussions on film financing and location promotion are on the agenda.
Nepram’s participation in the Berlin International Film Festival holds particular significance as MSFDS prepares for the 2nd edition of Manipur’s International Film Festival, the ‘Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival’ (EIIFF) later in 2024. The inaugural edition of EIIFF, launched during the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Manipur Cinema in 2022, showcased films from various countries, aiming for a grander and more competitive event in its upcoming edition.