Manipuri Film ONENESS Endures as a Festival Standout

New Delhi: The Manipuri feature film ONENESS, directed by Priyakanta Laishram, continues to make a strong impression on the film festival circuit. The film was recently selected for the Aravali International Film Festival 2025, an IMDb-qualifying festival held at Alliance Française, New Delhi, on April 5 and 6, which is known for exclusively spotlighting independent films. Competing in the Main Competition Section, ONENESS received a nomination for Best Cinematography, recognising the work of Boong Konjengbam and Ibomcha Irom.

In addition to its competition placement, the Aravali International Film Festival committee has invited ONENESS for a special screening in May 2025 as part of its monthly curated showcase—a series aimed at highlighting films that stand out thematically and artistically beyond the main festival lineup.

In a statement, director Priyakanta Laishram shared that he is selectively submitting ONENESS to festivals that are inclusive and supportive of queer and socially conscious storytelling. He also revealed plans to take the film to international queer film festivals in the coming months while actively exploring distribution opportunities to ensure broader accessibility and reach.

Since its completion in 2024, ONENESS has been featured in multiple film festivals. The film recently won the prestigious Best Director – Northeast Award at the PRAG Cine Awards North East 2025. It has also been screened at the KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2024 in Mumbai—South Asia’s largest queer film festival, the 14th Bangalore Queer Film Festival 2024 (BQFF), the 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival 2025 (EIIFF), and the 2nd Northeast India Film Festival 2025, Manipur, among others.

Widely regarded as a milestone in Manipuri cinema, ONENESS is the first full-length gay-themed feature film from the state. Inspired by a real-life incident, it explores themes of identity, marginalisation, and emotional vulnerability, offering a deeply personal and layered narrative.

The production journey spanned nearly four years, marked by significant challenges, including prolonged casting hurdles and limited financial support due to the subject matter. Despite these obstacles, Laishram successfully brought the project to life in 2024, carving a space for regional queer narratives in Indian cinema.

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As ONENESS continues its festival journey, its reception reflects a growing interest in films that address socially relevant issues with sensitivity and artistic integrity. The film stands as a notable contribution to the evolving landscape of independent cinema from Northeast India, while amplifying voices and stories often left at the margins.

Produced by Roushil Singla and Priyakanta Laishram under the banner Priyakanta Productions, ONENESS marks Laishram’s debut as a feature filmmaker. The film features a cast that includes Priyakanta Laishram, Maya Choudhury, Sachinker Sagolsem, Suraj Ngashepam, Ramva Leishangthem, and Harendra Laishram, among others.

(Manipur Film Archives)