Joseph's Son (Meiteilon: Josephki Macha) is a Manipuri film released in 2023.[1] It is based on a true story and features Rewben Mashangva. The film was directed by Haobam Paban Kumar[2] 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.[3] It is based on Sudhir Naoroibam's short story with the same title.[4]
The film premiered at the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival in June 2023,[5] where it was the only Indian film among 11 which competed for the Golden Goblet Award.[6][7]
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.[3]
Screening
In November 2023, Joseph's Son was selected for screening at the 29th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), which took place on 5 December 2023.[8][9] It was also featured at the 28th International Film Festival of Kerala 2023 in Thiruvananthapuram.[10] Additionally, the film was one of 14 nominees for the Alternativa Film Awards 2023 in Kazakhstan.[11]
Accolades
| Award | Category | Winner's name(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st North East India Film Festival, Manipur 2024 | Best Direction | Haobam Paban Kumar | [12][13] |
| Jury Award for Outstanding Performance | Rewben Mashangva | ||
| 29th Kolkata International Film Festival | Special Jury Award | Haobam Paban Kumar | [14] |
| 20th Kazan International Film Festival, Russia | Special Jury Mention | Haobam Paban Kumar | [15] |
| 1st Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025 | Best Film | Haobam Paban Kumar | [16] |
| Best Music | Rewben Mashangva |
References
- ^ "Manipur: Haobam Paban Kumar's film 'Joseph ki Macha' to premiere at Shanghai Int'l Film Fest". www.eastmojo.com. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ "Haobam Paban Kumar: Voice from the Valley". Open The Magazine. 13 May 2022. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
- ^ a b "Filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar's 'Joseph's Son' to premiere at Shanghai film fest". The Times of India. 5 June 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
- ^ Guru Aribam Naocha. "Haobam Paban Kumar's Joseph's Son to have Indian Premiere as well as to compete with 11 Films in Kolkata International Film Festival 2023". Imphal Times. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ Singh, Bikash (10 June 2023). "Manipuri film 'Joseph ki Macha' to premiere at Shanghai International Film Festival". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Archived from the original on 3 August 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
- ^ "Entry for Golden Goblet Awards | JOSEPH'S SON: Long Shorts for Wrath Pervading Homeland". www.siff.com. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
- ^ "Haobam Paban Kumar's Manipuri film 'Joseph ki Macha' to premiere at Shanghai International Film Festival". NORTHEAST NOW. 10 June 2023. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
- ^ "Insurgency: What's happening in Manipur, asks filmmaker". www.millenniumpost.in. 13 December 2023. Archived from the original on 4 August 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
- ^ Naocha, Guru Aribam (17 November 2023). "Haobam Paban Kumar's Joseph's Son to have Indian Premiere as well as to compete with 11 Films in Kolkata International Film Festival 2023". News from Manipur - Imphal Times. Archived from the original on 6 September 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
- ^ "Manipur film Joseph's Son to compete in 29th KIFF". The Times of India. 19 November 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 11 December 2023. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
- ^ Akoijam, Jeet (13 November 2023). "Haobam Paban Kumar's Joseph 'S Son to compete for Alternative Film Awards 2023 in Kazakhstan". News from Manipur - Imphal Times. Archived from the original on 4 August 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
- ^ "Assamese Films Shine at the Northeast India Film Festival in Manipur". manipurarticles.com. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
- ^ "Five-day North East India Film Festival concludes in Manipur". www.sakshipost.com. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
- ^ "Joseph Son bags Special Jury Award at 29th KIFF 2023". e-pao.net. Archived from the original on 4 August 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
- ^ "Manipur: Haobam Paban Kumar's film "Joseph's Son" earns special jury mention at film fest in Russia". Northeast Now. Retrieved 17 February 2025.
- ^ "Manipuri film 'Joseph's Son' wins Best Film in 1st edition of Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025". The Assam Tribune. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
External links
- Joseph's Son at IMDb