Priyakanta bags best director award
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Mar 10: Filmmaker and actor Priyakanta Laishram was honoured with the Best Director Northeast award at the Prag Cine Awards 2025, held at Sarusajai Stadium, Guwahati on March 9, 2025.
Priyakanta won the prestigious Golden Prag Trophy for his film Oneness which has been hailed as a landmark in Manipuri and Northeast Indian cinema.
Oneness, the first Manipuri film to explore same-sex relationships, was nominated in four major Northeast categories: Best Film Northeast, Best Director Northeast (Priyakanta Laishram), Best Actor Male Northeast (Priyakanta Lai-shram) and Best Actor Female Northeast (Maya Choudhury).
In his acceptance speech, Laishram said, "This award is not just for me—it’s for every queer individual who has ever felt unseen, unheard, or unrepresented. Oneness was inspired by a real-life story of a queer individual who tragically lost his life simply because of his identity.
“Making this film was an uphill battle from the very beginning, but I knew this story needed to be told, no matter the obstacles. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to my producer Roushil Singla, for believing in this film when so many others hesitated. To my incredible cast and crew—thank you for standing by this vision”.
Priyakanta’s win marks a significant achievement for Manipuri cinema, as Oneness is the first film from the state to depict same-sex relationships with depth and authenticity.
The film faced several challenges, including opposition during production and difficulties in casting actors willing to take on queer roles. Despite these obstacles, Oneness has broken new ground in Manipuri cinema’s history.
The recognition at Prag Cine Awards 2025 highlights the growing acceptance of diverse narratives in Northeast Indian cinema and solidifies Priyakanta Laishram’s reputation as a filmmaker pushing boundaries.
IMPHAL, Mar 10: Filmmaker and actor Priyakanta Laishram was honoured with the Best Director Northeast award at the Prag Cine Awards 2025, held at Sarusajai Stadium, Guwahati on March 9, 2025.
Priyakanta won the prestigious Golden Prag Trophy for his film Oneness which has been hailed as a landmark in Manipuri and Northeast Indian cinema.
Oneness, the first Manipuri film to explore same-sex relationships, was nominated in four major Northeast categories: Best Film Northeast, Best Director Northeast (Priyakanta Laishram), Best Actor Male Northeast (Priyakanta Lai-shram) and Best Actor Female Northeast (Maya Choudhury).
In his acceptance speech, Laishram said, "This award is not just for me—it’s for every queer individual who has ever felt unseen, unheard, or unrepresented. Oneness was inspired by a real-life story of a queer individual who tragically lost his life simply because of his identity.
“Making this film was an uphill battle from the very beginning, but I knew this story needed to be told, no matter the obstacles. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to my producer Roushil Singla, for believing in this film when so many others hesitated. To my incredible cast and crew—thank you for standing by this vision”.
Priyakanta’s win marks a significant achievement for Manipuri cinema, as Oneness is the first film from the state to depict same-sex relationships with depth and authenticity.
The film faced several challenges, including opposition during production and difficulties in casting actors willing to take on queer roles. Despite these obstacles, Oneness has broken new ground in Manipuri cinema’s history.
The recognition at Prag Cine Awards 2025 highlights the growing acceptance of diverse narratives in Northeast Indian cinema and solidifies Priyakanta Laishram’s reputation as a filmmaker pushing boundaries.
