By Bobo kh
Leipaklei bloomed at an evening in Jeonju, a birthplace of Korean cinema. As per the schedule it was eight o`™ clock (Korean Standard Time). A mixed crowd of cinephiles cutting across continents gathered to watch the Manipuri feature film Leipaklei at the fourteenth addition of Jeonju International Film Festival (JIFF), 2013, South Korea. A total of 190 films (46 world premieres) from 46 countries were screened in the nine-day long festival. The festival opened on April 25 and culminated on May 3. An initiative of the Korean film council and Ministry of Culture Sports and Tourism, the festival is becoming one of the favorite destinations in international festival circuit. It is noteworthy that cinema is under the umbrella of Ministry of Culture in this country, very much different from India where cinema is literally an appendage of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. Korea is comparatively younger to India in cinema. India just completed hundred years of its journey. Wholesome state patronage for independent film makers is very much evident in Korea. Ironically, the hundredth years of Indian cinema saw protest by independent film makers seeking support from the government.
Year 2013 edition of JIFF has four broad sections; Cinemascape, Stranger Than Cinema, Cinemafest and Focus On. There is a sub-section in Focus On; Special: Beyond Bollywood. According to the organizers, `Beyond Bollywood presents authentic Indian films that are like precious gems hidden in various parts of India, the festival is a rare opportunity to experience different culture of India that has been neglected all this time`. Including Leipaklei, eight other Indian films were screened: `B.A Pass`™, `When Hari Got Married`™, `Shahid`™, `Miss Lovely`™, `Untitled`™, `Azhagarsamy`™s Horse`™, `Waterbirds`™ and `Color of Sky`™. Leipaklei started its tour from the Kolkata International Film Festival last year. Korean film finder noticed it in that festival. Leipaklei was also the opening film of the Guwahati International Film Festival. It went on to win the national award for the best Manipuri Feature film. Indu Shrikent, Festival Director of Osian`™s Cinefan Film Festival, who also represented India at JIFF, congratulating the team of Leipaklei added, `what a charming film, well-acted and so refreshing. The story is told so well`. Korean audience wanted to know more about Manipur and its culture after watching the film. Set in a village, Leipaklei traverse the mysteries of a woman`™s heart, and the conviction of a lone woman in the backdrop of a close-knitted Manipuri social milieu; symbolic of the flower Leipaklei which can grow on harsh terrain. The lead role is played by Tonthoi with Kalpana, Olen, Pritam and Priyogopal as the main cast. Written by a well – known playwright of Manipur, Arambam Samarendra, who was also a close friend of the director, Aribam Syam Sharma; Leipaklei has also been a popular radio play. It has come to international limelight when made into a film. The director and the writer had ventured into prolific collaborative work in the past with acclaimed theatre plays.
Indeed, it was a joy to be in Jeonju with Leipaklei. The city is also a wonderful destination for the tourist. Almost four hour drive from Seoul is Jeonju. As the capital of post-Baekje the dynasty that Gyeonhwon established and the birthplace of the 500 years long Joseon dynasty, Jeonju is a hub enshrining Korean traditional culture. Hanok, the traditional Korean village is preserved with seven hundred houses. UNESCO has declared it as the world cultural asset. One can relish the traditional life of Korea in this village with food, music, dance, art & craft etc. No wonder that the organisers have aptly chosen the right place for an International Film Festival. Lest I forget to mention the hospitality of the Korean people, they are unbelievably warm and polite. Little did they know that their satellite television channel `Arirang`™ has been making wave in Manipur? K-Pop, TV serials, movies and fashion have captivated the youth within a very short span of time. The real Korea is a different experience with memories to be cherished.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/a-trip-to-jeonju-with-leipaklei/