The 12th Manipur Film Awards (better known shortly as MANIFA 2025) was an awards ceremony presented by the Theatre Centre Manipur (THOUNA), Manipur, in collaboration with the Film Forum Manipur. The event honored the best of Manipuri cinema and Shumang Kumhei (Shumang Leela) certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, in Meitei language (officially known as Manipuri) and the native tribal dialects spoken in the state. The ceremony was held at the Central Public Hall in Sanggai Lampak, Kakching, featuring a series of cultural and dance performances. The awards had been suspended in 2023 due to the sociopolitical instability in the state, making the 2025 EDition a major resumption for the state's film industry.
Ceremony
| Event | Venue | Organisers |
|---|---|---|
| 12th Manipur Film Awards (MANIFA 2025) | Central Public Hall, Sanggai Lampak, Kakching | THOUNA Manipur & Film Forum Manipur |
Lifetime Achievement Awards
Three lifetime achievement honors were presented to veterans of Manipuri dance, modern Meitei theatre, and Meitei cinema.
| Award | Recipient | Residence |
|---|---|---|
| Maipak Sanahal Manipuri Dance Lifetime Award | Laipubam Bino Devi | Brahmapur Laipubam Leikai |
| Neta Irawat Leelaroi Lifetime Award for Shumang Leela | A.K. Bengol | Achanbigei Awang Leikai |
| Neta Irawat Leelaroi Lifetime Award for Manipuri Cinema | Ayekpam Ningol Chongtham Kamala Devi | Thangmeiband |
Main Awards
The performance and MusicAL categories featured winners across multiple competitive Manipuri feature films.
| Category | Winner | Film / Track |
|---|---|---|
| Best Actress in a Leading Role | Narmada Shougaijam | Sunita |
| Best Supporting Actor | Dumga Kshetrimayum | Mangalsana |
| Best Supporting Actress | Ratana Kshetrimayum | Yahouthengba Khoimu |
| Best Child Artiste | Laishram Lamnganbi | Ngamnaba Lanfamse |
| Best Story | Lambam Premchan | Oitharei |
| Best Screenplay | Lambam Premchan | Oitharei |
| Best Lyricist | O.C. Meira | Ngamnaba Lanfamse |
| Best Playback Singer – Male | Dipu Khunung (for "Liklu Ngangkoi Pareng...") | Khomlang Laman |
| Best Playback Singer – Female | Loijingkhombi Thongam (for "Mangal Ama...") | Sunita |
| Best Music Director | Nanao Sagolmang | Khomlang Laman |
| Best Background Score | Raju Mutum | Oitharei |
Technical Awards
The feature film Sunita swept the entire technical awards category, securing all six major technical accolades.
| Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Best Cinematography | Nihal Bhandari | Sunita |
| Best Editing | Hiranmoy Gogoi | |
| Best Make-up | Dabo Wangkheimayum | |
| Best Costume | Nganthoi Luwang | |
| Best Audiographer | Nabapan Deka | |
| Best Art Director | Puinabati Thongam |
Special Jury & Mention Awards
| Award Type | Recipient | Film / Track / Role |
|---|---|---|
| Special Jury Award (Non-Feature) | Maibam Brajeshwari (Producer) & Th. Debendra (Director) | The Legacy of Four Generations |
| Special Jury Award (Feature) | Billa Ngathem | Mangalsana (Actor) |
| Special Mention Award | Huidrom Nowboy | Yahouthengba Khoimu (Singer) |
| Special Mention Award | Kumarjit Ngangbam | Mangalsana (Cinematographer) |
| Special Mention Award | H. Bigyani (Producer) & Ksh. Priyobrata (Director) | Mangalsana |
See also
- MANIFA 2020
- MANIFA 2022
- List of Meitei-language films of 2025
- List of Meitei-language films of 2024
- List of Meitei-language films of 2023
- National Film Award for Best Manipuri Feature Film
- Manipur State Kala Akademi
- Manipur State Literature Awards