Andro Dreams will set the perfect tone to the IFFI 2023. In the heart of Manipur’s remote village Andro lies a story of resilience and empowerment that has now found its way onto the silver screen. At 60 years old, Ms. Laibi Phanjoubam stands as a beacon of change, running a handloom and weaving craft shop while leading an all-female football club in a relentless battle against deep-seated patriarchy, economic adversity, and traditional orthodoxies.
What began as an ordinary narrative caught the attention of National Award-winning Director Ms. Meena Longjam, sparking the creation of the documentary “Andro Dreams.” This film chronicles the indomitable spirit of Laibi and her three-decade-long journey with the Andro Mahila Mandal Association Football Club (AMMA-FC), focusing on their challenges and highlighting the emergence of Nirmala, a standout young talent in the team.
The 63-minute Manipuri film, “Andro Dreams,” debuted at the 54th Indian Panorama at IFFI, opening the Non-Feature Film Section. Led by an all-female trio of director, producer, and cast, this avant-garde documentary delves into the life of Laibi and her football club, encapsulating their struggles against all odds.
Director Meena Longjam shed light on Laibi Phanjouban’s extraordinary journey, highlighting her as the fourth disregarded girl child in her family who defied expectations to become the first matriculate degree holder in her village and a primary school teacher. Alongside her teaching career, Laibi established handloom and weaving craft shops, showcasing her determination to carve a path against societal norms.
The film’s protagonist, Laibi Phanjoubam, expressed her joy in the creation of the documentary, citing its portrayal of her reality and struggles, an honor she’s eager to share with the world.
In a media interaction organized by PIB at the 54th International Film Festival of India in Goa, Director Meena Longjam emphasized her inadvertent journey into documentary filmmaking, aiming to bring to light the lives of Manipur’s people overlooked by mainstream media. “Andro Dreams” serves as a testament to the resilience of Laibi and her football club, echoing their battles and victories.
Meena Longjam elaborated on the intricate nature of documentary filmmaking, emphasizing the need to cultivate relationships with subjects over extended periods. Her earlier accolade-winning film, “Auto Driver,” solidified her as a pioneering Manipuri woman in the cinematic realm.
Jani Viswanath, the executive producer of “Andro Dreams,” expressed her drive to support such films, aiming to provide opportunities for talented individuals lacking resources. She described women as the “silent pillars” of society, underscoring the importance of showcasing their talents and offering them necessary backing.
Watch the inspiring film “Andro Dreams” Unfold here
The Indian Panorama section at IFFI commenced with the Feature film “Aattam” in Malayalam and the Non-Feature film “Andro Dreams” from Manipur, promising a cinematic treat for enthusiasts. With 25 Feature Films and 20 Non-Feature films scheduled, the 54th IFFI, spanning from November 20th to 28th, 2023, presents an impressive lineup celebrating Indian cinema’s diversity and depth.
The Indian Panorama at IFFI has been a longstanding platform, established in 1978 to showcase India’s cinematic excellence, cultural heritage, and storytelling prowess. It remains committed to highlighting the best of Indian films each year, fostering appreciation and recognition of the nation’s cinematic brilliance.
Watch the interaction here for deeper insights into the making of “Andro Dreams” and its impactful portrayal of Laibi Phanjoubam’s extraordinary journey.