Imphal: Manipur young film maker and video journalist Borun Thokchom rises with his film “I Rise” by winning Best Documentary title in the 11th edition of Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival held in Delhi on April 30.
The documentary film is based on ace boxer Laishram Sarita Devi of Manipur. The film by Borun has won different awards at different national and international film festivals.
“I Rise” had won ‘Best Film on Women Outstanding Achievement Award’ at the Tagore International Film Festival 2020, West Bengal, Best Documentary at the 9th Mumbai Short International Film Festival (MSIFF) 2021 and Best Documentary Film on Sports/social issues/ investigative film at the 13th Manipur State Film Awards 2020. It was selected at SIGNS Film festival, Kerala and nominated at Delhi international film festival
and different other festivals.
Borun had also bagged National Award for Best Debut film of a Director, 2011, Best documentary, 2nd Siliguri International Shorts and Documentary Film Festival 2012, for his film “The silent poet” on Irom Sharmila Chanu, the rights activist. It got selection for Mumbai International Film Festival, (MIFF) 2012 and screend at different other festivals.
Poduced by Films Division Mumbai, Borun took five years in the making of “I Rise”.
“I was always fascinated by filmmaking professions from my young age. And I wholeheartedly chose to study mass communication and film productions. I never want to become a doctor or engineer which was the only respected career option during those days. I was inspired by young achievers to dedicate in this field,” Borun told Pothashang.
Borun brings forth before the masses the journey of a woman who faced obstacles, challenges in every phase of her sports and personal life. It’s a story of conflict in a mother and as a change maker.
Sarita, a mother, a woman pugilist, spared no effort to become a celebrated sports star. Inspite of her fame and glory, she is passionate about empowering people who are marginalised and runs an academy that trains and encourages destitute children to create an identity through boxing. The story elaborates the predicament where she navigates between her mission and her relationship with her beloved son Tomthil, says Borun.
“Hard work and dedication always pays off. It took so many years to complete the film but finally it’s worth and I am happy,” he said.
He thanked the people of Manipur for their support and response especially the ‘overwhelming’ response of the audience when the film was premiered on April 11 in Imphal as a part of Golden Jubilee celebration of Manipur cinema.
Borun is a resident of Kongba, Imphal East.
“Be true to yourself. Take time and make quality films. Have patience, choose quality not quantity. One good film in lifetime is enough than 100 bad films. And finally when you get fame and recognition, never carried away by it. Stay grounded, stay focus,” Borun advises his junior film makers.
The Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival is a not-to-profit, non-commercial and India’s only independent film festival, established in the year 2011 in Delhi NCR with a mission to celebrate the cinema and work of aspiring, young, independent and professional filmmakers. The festival is organised on April 30 each year to mark the birth anniversary of legendary Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, who is regarded as the father of Indian Cinema.
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