It's Not My Choice
| It's Not My Choice | |
|---|---|
_-_Poster.jpg) | |
| Directed by | Priyakanta Laishram |
| Written by | Priyakanta Laishram |
| Produced by | Harendra Laishram |
| Starring | Bishesh Huirem Ithoi Oinam Chakpram Idhou |
| Cinematography | Momo Khurai |
| Edited by | Priyakanta Laishram |
| Music by | Balli Ningthoujam |
Production company | Priyakanta Productions |
Release date |
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Running time | 14 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Meitei language (officially called Manipuri language) |
It's Not My Choice (Manipuri: Eina Khankhiba Natte) is a 2015 Manipuri film written and directed by Priyakanta Laishram and produced by Harendra Laishram under the banner of Priyakanta Productions.[1] Starring Bishesh Huirem, Ithoi Oinam, and Chakpram Idhou, the film tells the story of a young transgender Sanathoi who is deprived of her basic rights. The film was released on 1 September 2015, in Imphal at the Regional Institute Of Medical Sciences and screened at 25 film festivals.[2] The film is the first Indian short film to be adapted in Thai and the first short film from Northeast India to surpass 1 lakh views and 1 million views on YouTube.[3]
Production
[edit]Development
[edit]In an interview with Scroll.in, Priyakanta Laishram stated that he developed the idea for the film during his senior secondary education in Chandigarh, while meeting his sister's transgender friends and a friend shunned for being effeminate. He believed his films could express his authentic self and address societal taboo topics.[4]
Filming
[edit]In a two-day schedule, principal photography for the film began in Imphal on 8 August 2015, and concluded on 9 August 2015.[2]
On Gaylaxy, Laishram stated that the entire film was shot in 2015 during the riots, curfews, mass processions, and strikes over the Inner Line Permit in Manipur.[5]
Post production and release
[edit]Balli Ningthoujam composed the film's music, while Priyakanta Laishram handled the editing.[1] On 1 September 2015, the film was premiered at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal.[2] Later, it was screened at Rajabhat University, Delhi University, Punjab University, and Mumbai University.[6]
The film became the first from Northeast India to receive more than one million views after it was made available for online streaming on YouTube on 15 January 2017.[1]
Adaptation
[edit]In 2024, the film has become the first Indian film to be adapted into Thai language.[7]
Reception
[edit]Upon release, the film received favorable reviews, with reviewers applauding the performances, writing, and direction in particular. The Sangai Express wrote, "It's Not My Choice triumphs in every aspect".[1]
Signpost News wrote, "The 14-minute film does more in its brief running time than any other Manipuri feature film in its genre that is two or three hours long."[2]
E-pao wrote, "A project like this comes full circle with the clear passion behind it. Definitely, a step towards more progressive Manipuri queer cinema."[8]
Cast
[edit]- Bishesh Huirem
- Ithoi Oinam
- Chakpram Idhou
- Sophia Sapam
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Manipuri film IT'S NOT MY CHOICE triumphs in every aspect". The Sangai Express. 2 February 2024.
- ^ a b c d "It's Not My Choice: A Film To Endure For Many Years To Come". Signpost News. 6 February 2024.
- ^ "Manipuri film 'It's not my choice' becomes the first Indian short film to be adapted into Thai". Ukhrul Times. 7 February 2024.
- ^ "'I knew I wasn't transgender but I had no idea who I was': Manipuri filmmaker Priyakanta Laishram". Scroll.in. 24 June 2023.
- ^ "India's youngest filmmaker made a film on transgender. In Conversation with Priyakanta Laishram, A Young Manipuri Filmmaker". Gaylaxy Magazine. 6 March 2017.
- ^ "Bishesh Huirem starrer "It's Not My Choice" screened at Rajabhat University, Thailand". The Sangai Express. 7 February 2024.
- ^ "Thai filmmaker to adapt Manipuri short film 'It's Not My Choice'". East Mojo. 7 February 2024.
- ^ "It's Not My Choice (Eina Khankhiba Natte) : An Impactful Manipuri Film On Transgender Visibility". E-Pao. 25 November 2022.