The film examines the long-term consequences of the war and the impact that continued across generations
KRC TIMES Manipur Bureau
IMPHAL: Borun Thokchom’s documentary Battlefield, which explores the impact of the Second World War on Manipur and its people, will have its Manipur premiere at the MSFDS Palace Auditorium, Palace Compound, Imphal, on October 2, 2026.
The premiere, coinciding with the International Day of Non-Violence, will begin at 3 pm with an introductory speech, followed by the presentation of mementos to members of the film crew. The producers and director will also address the gathering. The screening is scheduled to begin at 4 pm.
The documentary looks beyond the familiar military accounts of the Second World War and focuses on the experiences of ordinary people and communities affected by the conflict in Manipur. The film examines the long-term consequences of the war and the impact that continued across generations.
Thokchom, a musician, broadcast journalist and National Film Award-winning nonfiction filmmaker, has spent around 13 years researching and completing Battlefield. His earlier works include The Silent Poet, on Irom Sharmila, and I Rise, which explored the life of international boxer Laishram Sarita Devi.
“For me, BATTLEFIELD is not merely a documentary film; it is also the outcome of extensive research and dedication to tell Manipur’s side of the story as against the British or Japanese imperialist forces,” Thokchom said.
With a runtime of around 80 minutes, the documentary combines historical research with personal and human perspectives. Its central focus is the human cost of war and the consequences that remain long after military conflicts have ended.
The film has been supported by Manjoy Lourembam, Vishwamitra Universals and Radhesyam Oinam of Network Services, Imphal, as co-producers. It was developed through Imphal Documentor 2022, organised by the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) in collaboration with Documentary Resource Initiative (DRI), Kolkata.
Battlefield later reached the DocEdge pitching forum and was officially selected for the Indian Panorama at the International Film Festival of India in 2025. It was also selected for the Mumbai International Film Festival of Shorts, Documentary and Animation in 2026.
The film’s premiere in Imphal is expected to bring together the filmmaking team, invited guests, researchers and film enthusiasts. Rooted in Manipur’s wartime history, Battlefield also raises wider questions about conflict, displacement and the human consequences of war.
