Borun Thokchom's documentary Battlefield has been selected for the International Competition Section of MIFF 2026, bringing Manipur's World War II history to a global audience.
Imphal, June 10: Award-winning Manipuri filmmaker Borun Thokchom's feature-length documentary Battlefield has been selected for screening in the International Competition Section of the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026, marking a significant achievement for Manipur's documentary film industry.
The festival, regarded as one of Asia's premier platforms for documentary, short fiction and animation films, will be held in Mumbai from June 15 to June 21. The selection places Battlefield among documentary productions from different parts of the world competing in one of the most prestigious categories of the festival.
Produced by Manjoy Lourembam, Dr. Radhesyam Oinam and Viswamithra Universals, the documentary explores the legacy of the historic Battle of Imphal, one of the fiercest military confrontations of World War II. Through a combination of archaeological excavations, eyewitness accounts, oral histories, local myths and traditional war songs, the film examines how the events of the war continue to resonate in the collective memory of Manipur decades after the guns fell silent.
The documentary arrives at a time when renewed interest is being shown globally in preserving local histories and personal narratives connected to major world events. Rather than focusing solely on military strategy or battlefield movements, Battlefield looks at the human dimension of the conflict and the long-term impact it left on communities across Manipur.
According to the filmmakers, the project took nearly ten years to complete. The lengthy production process involved extensive research, field documentation, travel to multiple locations and interviews with individuals whose lives and family histories remain connected to the wartime experiences of the region.
Thokchom has previously stated that the film was motivated by a desire to preserve memories and stories that risk disappearing as older generations pass away. The documentary seeks to document not only historical facts but also the emotions, beliefs and cultural memories that have survived through oral traditions.
The Battle of Imphal occupies a unique place in both Indian and global history. Fought in 1944 between Allied and Japanese forces, it is widely regarded as one of the decisive campaigns of the Burma theatre during World War II. The battle transformed large parts of Manipur into a war zone and left behind stories of displacement, survival and resilience that continue to be remembered across the state.
For many residents of Manipur, remnants of the conflict remain visible even today through wartime relics, memorial sites and family accounts passed down through generations. Battlefield attempts to bring these stories together and present them within a broader historical context.
The film's selection for MIFF 2026 comes after its world premiere at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), where it was introduced to national and international audiences. Its inclusion in the MIFF international competition section represents another important milestone in the documentary's journey.
Borun Thokchom is among Manipur's most recognised documentary filmmakers. Before entering independent filmmaking, he worked as a television journalist. Over the years, he has built a reputation for producing documentaries that focus on social, cultural and historical themes.
His debut documentary The Silent Poet received the National Award in 2011 and brought national attention to his work. He later gained further recognition through films such as I Rise, which received accolades at both national and international film festivals. His documentaries have often focused on stories rooted in the Northeast while addressing themes that resonate beyond the region.
The announcement of Battlefield's selection has drawn congratulatory messages from political leaders in Manipur.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh described the achievement as a proud moment for the state. In a post on X, he extended his congratulations to the entire team behind the documentary and wished them success at MIFF 2026.
"Heartiest congratulations to the team of Battlefield on its selection in the International Competition Section of MIFF 2026," the Chief Minister wrote. He added that the achievement reflected the talent and excellence of filmmakers from Manipur and represented an important moment for the state's creative community.
Heartiest congratulations to the team of Battlefield on its selection in the International Competition Section of #MIFF2026.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) June 10, 2026
This remarkable achievement is a proud moment for Manipur and a testament to the talent and excellence of our filmmakers. Wishing the entire team great… pic.twitter.com/Dvt6GLn3xu
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also congratulated Thokchom and the film's production team. In his message, he highlighted the decade-long effort behind the project and praised the filmmakers' commitment to documenting and preserving the history of the Battle of Imphal.
Biren Singh noted that the documentary was not created overnight but was the result of years of patient research, documentation, travel and interviews. He said the team's efforts had helped ensure that an important chapter of Manipur's collective memory would not be lost with the passing of generations.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the producers, researchers and crew members who worked on the project over the years and expressed confidence that the documentary would attract wider attention to both Manipur's history and the artistic capabilities emerging from the state.
Heartiest congratulations to Shri Borun Thokchom and the entire team of “Battlefield”on its selection in the International Competition Section of the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026.
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) June 10, 2026
This recognition carries special significance because the documentary was… pic.twitter.com/XYDwrhR6rV
The international recognition received by Battlefield adds to the growing visibility of Manipuri cinema on global platforms. Over the years, filmmakers from the state have earned acclaim at national and international festivals through works that explore the region's history, culture and social realities.
For Manipur's film community, the selection of Battlefield for MIFF's International Competition Section is not only recognition of a single documentary but also an acknowledgment of the state's continuing contribution to documentary filmmaking. As the film prepares to be screened before an international audience in Mumbai, it carries with it a story deeply rooted in Manipur's past while speaking to broader questions of memory, history and human experience.
