Imphal, May 28, 2026: The 16th edition of the Manipur State Film Awards (MSFA) 2024 was held on Thursday at the Palace Auditorium of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) in Imphal, celebrating achievements and contributions to Manipuri cinema.
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| Governor of Manipur Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla presents an award during the 16th Manipur State Film Awards 2024 ceremony at the Palace Auditorium, MSFDS, Imphal, in the presence of Chief Minister Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh.(Image: X/LokBhavManipur) |
The award ceremony was attended by Governor of Manipur Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh, and Art & Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Kh. Loken Singh, along with filmmakers, artists, technicians, and members of the film fraternity.
Organised by the MSFDS, the Manipur State Film Awards is regarded as the highest state recognition in the Manipuri film industry and honours excellence in feature films, non-feature films, and contributions to cinema and the arts.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the MSFDS Lifetime Achievement Award to Ngangbam Swarnajit Singh in recognition of his pioneering role as Manipur’s first professional artist in cinema. Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla presented the award during the ceremony.
Awards in various feature and non-feature film categories were also distributed to winners during the programme.
The official award catalogue of the 16th Manipur State Film Awards was released at the event. The programme also featured a demonstration of the traditional Manipuri martial art form “Thang-Ta” by the Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association, showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla described Manipuri cinema as an important platform for storytelling and cultural expression that reflects the identity, resilience, and aspirations of the people of Manipur.
He congratulated all award winners and appreciated the contributions of filmmakers, actors, writers, technicians, researchers, and artists towards the growth of the state’s film industry. The Governor also encouraged young filmmakers to preserve local languages, traditions, and cultural values while embracing innovative cinematic approaches.
Chief Minister Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh also congratulated the award recipients and stated that cinema plays an important role in shaping social values and inspiring society.
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The Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by the Manipuri film industry, including its relatively smaller audience base, but expressed confidence that the industry would continue progressing towards wider recognition and development.
He further reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting and strengthening regional cinema in Manipur.
Officials and members of the film fraternity stated that events such as the Manipur State Film Awards play a vital role in encouraging local talent and promoting Manipuri cinema at national and international levels.
