Imphal: Sunita has won the Best Manipuri Feature Film award at the 72nd National Film Awards, with director Ajit Yumnam and producer Yumnam Brojen Singh receiving the honour from President Droupadi Murmu at the awards ceremony in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on September 22.
The film, which centres on a visually impaired woman and her pursuit of education, independence and dignity, was represented at the ceremony by its lead actor Naramada Sougaijam and supporting actor Binita Yumnam. The event was held near the Statue of Unity.
In her address as chief guest, President Murmu congratulated the award recipients and spoke about initiatives of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to promote regional cinema.
Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Sougaijam said she was pleased that her performance had contributed to the film’s success at the National Film Awards. She said she would continue to promote Manipuri cinema and noted that the state’s film industry has directors and writers capable of competing with other regional film industries.
Manipur also had representation on the National Film Awards jury panels. Documentary filmmaker James Khangenbam served as a Central Jury Member in the Non-Feature Film Category, while filmmaker Thokchom Jimmy was appointed to the Eastern Panel in the Feature Film Category.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State L. Murugan, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel attended the ceremony.