Ishanou Blu-Ray

Aribam Syam Sharma's Ishanou ("The Chosen One") is a moving story of love, faith, and loss that is deeply rooted in Manipuri culture. The film beautifully contrasts the spiritual world of the Maibis (priestesses) with everyday life and emphasizes the belief that the occult and the material world exist in the same reality.Syam Sharma's sensitive approach, the fantastic camera work and the discreet performances, together with the vivid portrayal of Maibi culture and the use of traditional music from Manipur (composed by the filmmaker himself), give the film an authenticity that blends fiction, documentary, and ethnography.

EXTRAS:

- Ishanou (1990) is presented from the new 4K restoration by the Film Heritage Foundation.

- Shivendra Singh Dungarpur on Ishanou: a new filmed interview with the filmmaker and archivist about this important work in Indian cinema.- Ishanou at Cannes 2023: Singh Dungarpur and actor Kangabam Tomba are interviewed by author and presenter Anupama Chopra for Film Companion.- Booklet featuring a new essay by author and film scholar Dr. Omar Ahmed, as well as Shivendra Singh Dungarpur and director Aribam Syam Sharma on the restoration.- New English translation of subtitles. - World premiere on Blu-ray.