Imphal: Renowned Manipuri filmmaker Sunzu Bachaspatimayum has been appointed as the Director of Film Initiatives, North East Region, for the upcoming and first-ever North East Pavilion at the Hyderabad International Short Film Festival (HISFF).
The HISFF, organised by the Dadasaheb Phalke School of Film Studies in collaboration with the Government of Telangana, will host its inaugural North East Pavilion from December 19 to 21 in Hyderabad. The segment aims to bring together short films from all eight Northeastern states, offering a national platform to showcase regional voices, stories, and cinematic excellence.
A pioneering figure in Manipuri documentary cinema, Sunzu Bachaspatimayum is widely known for portraying the socio-political and cultural realities of Manipur. His debut work, Rude Awakening (1996), chronicled the state’s ethnic unrest and was the first issue-based documentary from Manipur to be screened at the Bombay International Film Festival.
Over nearly three decades, Sunzu has received numerous national accolades, including a Swarna Kamal as producer for AFSPA 1958 (2008) and two Rajat Kamals for Shingnaba (2008) and Heart to Heart (2010). His filmography includes acclaimed titles such as My Pony & Me (2015), Siroy – The Flower on the Lofty Height (2011), and Sangai – The Dancing Deer (2005).
He was also part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitors Leadership Program in 2010, recognising his contributions to documentary filmmaking. Currently, he serves as Secretary of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) and directs the Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival (EIIFF).
In his new role at HISFF, Sunzu Bachaspatimayum is expected to play a key part in elevating the Northeast’s cinematic landscape, strengthening its presence and visibility on the national stage.
