After a three year pause, the Manipur State Film Awards returned this year with a powerful statement and Andro Dreams led the festival. The acclaimed Manipuri documentary Andro Dreams won four honours at the delayed 2024 Manipur State Film Award (MSFA) ceremony presented in 2026 that includes Best Non-Feature Film, Best Director, Best Editor and Best Cinematography,
The festival awards had been paused as Manipur navigated a difficult period with the return of the ceremony marking a welcome revival of the state’s celebration of its filmmakers and creative community.
Produced by Dubai based Filmaker and philanthropist Jani Viswanath and directed by National Award winner Meena Longjam, Andro Dreams is a powerful 63-minute documentary set in the ancient village of Andro in northeast India. At its heart is the extraordinary story of Laibi, a spirited woman who defied tradition to establish an all-girls football club 30 years ago.
For three decades, Laibi and the girls of AMMA FC have played on, battling poverty, patriarchy and the challenges of life in a deeply traditional community. The 63 minute film captures not just their struggle to keep the football club alive, but a larger story about courage, community and the indomitable female agency.
The story behind the film is just as compelling. A film born from an unlikely alliance
“I still remember Meena’s first call,” recalls Jani Viswanath. “A mutual friend told her to reach out. She was nervous, hopeful, and talked for almost an hour. I could hear the anxiety of a little girl in her voice, but also this fierce determination. Before I hung up, I said yes. That spontaneous decision turned out to be one of the best I ever made.”
What followed was a collaboration between three women from vastly different worlds. Laibi, who created opportunity with no formal education; Longjam, the educator-filmmaker determined to share Laibi’s story and Jani, whose philanthropic and creative interests have frequently centred on initiatives that amplify women’s voices and empower youth.
The story behind Andro Dreams is as intriguing as the documentary itself,” says Jani. “It’s about an unlikely friendship and a shared belief that women can change lives, even when the odds are stacked against them.”
The four honours carry a special place in our hearts given Manipur’s recent challenges and it makes it incredibly meaningful.
Jani adds. “The journey of the film mirrors the journey of Manipur. Just as the film is about strength, hope and resilience, the state too has persevered. The return of the State Film Awards feels symbolic of that spirit.”
Andro Dreams has already made waves on the festival circuit. It was the opening film at the Indian Panorama, (IFFI) won Best Documentary at Jagran Film Festival, Mumbai, and screened at various festivals in Seoul, Kolkata, Nagaland, Colombia, and Aswan, Egypt.
More than accolades, the film brings visibility to a grassroots story that might otherwise have gone unheard and shows how sport can be a tool for transformation. This is the latest in a string of award-winning films from Northeast India produced by Jani in the past decade. Her upcoming feature film, also set in Manipur, is set to premiere soon.
Andro Dreams Film Credits: Director: Meena Longjam, Producer: Jani Viswanath, Cinematographer: Sunny Sarungbam, Editor: Sankha, Background Music: Jimbo Ningombam, Sound Designer: Debajit Gayan
