Manipuri Boy in Final in Int'l student Film Festival ‘‘XXY Energy Drink’’

Imphal, Jul 14 : A 29-year-old filmmaker from Manipur has been selected as one of the top five finalists in the International Student Film Festival Hollywood. Irengbam Amarjit Singh's 30-second commercial production is the only Indian entry to be shortlisted for the finals.

Amarjit, a student of Flash Frame Visuals Academy of Film and Television (FFVA), Bangalore, told TOI over the phone, "I'm elated that my commercial film has been shortlisted among the top five final entries at the student festival. The production, 'XXY Energy Drink', was a commercial I made as an assignment during my training at the academy, though the concept came to my mind five years ago."

The results of the top two finalists would be announced in October, said Amarjit, a resident of Uripok in Imphal.

'XXY Energy Drink' has made it to the finals in the 30-second TV commercial category of the competition conducted by Reelshow International in the UK. The film portrays a weightlifter never getting tired of his countless abortive attempts to lift up a barbell attached with heavy iron weights after drinking XXY Energy drink, a fictitious brand name.

In a congratulatory letter, FFVA founder-director Keerthi Kumar TG wrote, "He (Amarjit) is a very good vizualizer and has great skills in filmmaking. We wish him the very best in future."

Amarjit also won the best student award of the academy a few days ago. He conceptualized and designed a logo that is currently used by the Manipur State Cooperative Bank, Imphal. He also conceptualized another logo for a state film company.

"If I am selected among the top two finalists, the award would be conferred in Sydney, Australia," said the young filmmaker, who also studied at Maya Institute of Advanced Cinematics (Maac). After completing his Class XII academic course, Amarjit switched over to film studies.

Amarjit's uncle, Irengbam Lokendrojit Singh, a senior engineer working for the Manipur government, who mentored him, said, "I'm overwhelmed with the news of Amarjit's selection for the international festival. I am aware of his talent, skills and creativity. I'll extend all possible support to make him a great filmmaker."

Manipuri filmmakers have already carved a niche for themselves by winning accolades on many international platforms. Most of them, besides winning various awards in different categories in both national and international competitions, have also showcased their productions at many prestigious festivals.