Joseph's Son (Joseph ki Macha) is an 83-minute Manipuri-language film released in 2023. It is based on a true story and features Rewben Mashangva. The film was directed by Haobam Paban Kumar[1] and produced by the National Film Development Corporation Limited, with Oli Pictures as a co-producer. The screenplay was written by Sudhir Naoroibam, a Sahitya Akademi Award winner, alongside Haobam.[2]
The film premiered at the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival in June 2023,[3] where it was the only Indian film among 11 competing for the Golden Goblet Award.[4][5]
Synopsis
Joseph's Son follows the story of Joseph, a highlander caught in the midst of ethnic clashes as he searches for his missing son. The film portrays Joseph's escalating fear and anxiety as he grapples with the turmoil of ongoing conflict and his personal concerns. David, Joseph’s son, is a dedicated footballer who has not returned home. His absence prompts his mother to persuade Joseph to undertake the search for him. After exhausting all avenues with David's friends and finding no leads, Joseph turns to the police for assistance. They inform him that a body in the Imphal morgue may belong to David, and that he needs to verify the identity of the body in person. Despite his reservations and the daunting nature of the journey, Joseph reluctantly embarks on the long and arduous trip to Imphal. The film delves into Joseph's emotional and physical challenges as he confronts the possibility of a tragic outcome while navigating the chaos surrounding him.[6]
Screening
In November 2023, Joseph's Son was selected for screening at the 29th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), which took place on December 5, 2023. At this festival, the film it won the Special Jury Award in the Indian Language Films category.[7]
- ^ "Haobam Paban Kumar: Voice from the Valley". Open The Magazine. 2022-05-13. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ "Filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar's 'Joseph's Son' to premiere at Shanghai film fest". The Times of India. 2023-06-05. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ Singh, Bikash (2023-06-10). "Manipuri film 'Joseph ki Macha' to premiere at Shanghai International Film Festival". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ "Entry for Golden Goblet Awards | JOSEPH'S SON: Long Shorts for Wrath Pervading Homeland". www.siff.com. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ "Haobam Paban Kumar's Manipuri film 'Joseph ki Macha' to premiere at Shanghai International Film Festival". NORTHEAST NOW. 2023-06-10. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ "Filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar's 'Joseph's Son' to premiere at Shanghai film fest". The Times of India. 2023-06-05. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-08-04.
- ^ "Insurgency: What's happening in Manipur, asks filmmaker". www.millenniumpost.in. 2023-12-13. Retrieved 2024-08-04.