Ukhrul, October 28: Filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma’s authorized biography titled “Aribam Syam Sharma: The Luminary of Indian Cinema” was on Sunday released by Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, Member of Parliament for Lok Sabha (Inner Manipur) at a solemn ceremony held at Tanthapolis Cinema in Imphal. The book also had its international release on September 27 at the Indian Film Festival of Alberta, 2025 by Consul General Masakui Rungsung.
Authored by Parthajit Baruah, a contemporary Indian film historian and film practitioner, the well-researched book explores Aribam Syam Sharma’s remarkable cinematic journey, examining his aesthetics and profound engagement with Manipuri culture, customs, and history, an official statement read.
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Alongside the Book Release, the Golden Beaver Award, 2025 trophy was also officially handed over to Aribam Syam Sharma by the MP along with Parthajit Baruah. The inaugural Golden Beaver Award, 2025 was presented to Aribam Syam Sharma for his extraordinary contribution to shaping the identity of Indian cinema.
Instituted by the India Film Festival of Alberta (IFFA), Canada in its 11th edition, the Golden Beaver is a tribute to visionaries who reshape the world through creativity and resilience. In the Award’s citation, the IIFA highlighted Aribam’s role in defining the cultural essence of India’s cinematic diversity. The Award citation read – “…From the valleys of Manipur, his films have given voice to stories often unheard — bridging tradition and modernity, and defining the cultural essence of India’s cinematic diversity…”.
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Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, Bimol Akoijam described Aribam Syam Sharma as not merely a filmmaker but a “cultural template” and a “historical embodiment” of Manipur’s arts and culture while Parthajit Baruah recounted his journey towards materializing the “Authorized Biography”.
It may be recalled that Parthajit Baruah had received the Golden Beaver on behalf of Aribam Syam Sharma at the awards ceremony held at the Winspear Centre, Edmonton in September.
Baruah also presented a brief report of the India Film Festival of Alberta Foundation (IFFA), Canada where the restored ‘Ishanou’ directed by Aribam Syam Sharma was screened in addition to the international release of his book on Aribam Syam Sharma.
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He underscored the significance of the inaugural Golden Beaver Award as the recognition was a tribute to visionaries who reshape the world through creativity and resilience and Aribam Syam Sharma, as a true pioneer of North-East Indian Cinema, had carved a niche in the region.
The ceremony hosted by the Aribam Syam Sharma Foundation was attended by eminent actors, singers, filmmakers, film critics, writers and public intellectuals. Cine enthusiasts, fans and well-wishers of the filmmaker also attended the event.