IMPHAL, November 9: Arambam Samarendra’s Leipaklei will be screened at the prestigious 18th Kolkata International Film Festival, which is going to be held from 10th to 17th of Nov. at NANDAN, West Bengal Film Centre, Kolkata.
The director of the film Aribam Syam Sharma has been invited as a special guest at the inaugural function of the Festival.
It may be recalled that the first Manipuri feature film, Matamgi Manipur was also based on a play written by Arambam Samarendra, TrithaYatra.
His play Leipaklei was conferred the Sahitya Akademy Award.
A play fairly different from his other works, “Leipaklei is a melancholic flute heard from a distant village”, a testimonial given by the critic, late Elangbam Nilakanta, the play had already become a household name.
It is one of the most popular radio plays to be broadcast on popular demand.
Aribam Syam Sharma’s artistic association with the writer has given numerable contribution in the field of theatre.
He has directed a number of plays written by Arambam Samarendra before he ventured into cinema.
Leipaklei is his latest venture in film.
Acclaimed actor Tonthoi is in the role of Leipkalei, with Olen, Priyogopal, Kalpana and Pritam as the main cast. IromMaipak is the cinematographer.
Leipaklei will be screened on the 13th of November, 5:15pm at theatre Nandan (ii), as part of the Indian Select.
The festival will last for 8 days. 180 films from 60 countries along with 140 film makers will participate in the festival.