Haobam Paban Kumar Biography 
Haobam Paban Kumar is an award winning filmmaker from the north-east state of Manipur. He is best known for his award winning documentaries on different subjects, showcased at different international film festivals. Kumar's debut feature film Loktak Lairembee won the National Film Award for Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation at National Film Awards, 2016. The film was showcased at different film festivals, and also won a nomination for best cinematography at Asia Pacific Screen Awards 2017. The film in Meitei language had its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival 2016 in the New Currents and was selected for the Berlinale FORUM 2017. The film also won the Golden Gateway award for Best Film at the Mumbai International Film Festival 2016.
In the past 15 years or so, Paban has made several award-winning films and used the cinematic medium to narrate the stories of Manipur and its people. His highly acclaimed work - Loktak Lairembee (Lady of the lake) won him numerous honours and recognition among intellectuals and critics. The movie narrates the story of the fishing community that lives around the state’s iconic Loktak lake. The film is loosely based on real events and a short story by Sudhir Naoroibam. He also made award-winning documentary movie Phum Sang about the community around the lake. 'The First Leap' (2008), 'Mr India' (2009) and 'Ruptured Spring' (2012) are his other major works, and all of them have received rave reviews from critics.
Paban studied computer engineering before he enrolled at Kolkata’s Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute to study filmmaking. He graduated in 2005 and later earned a name for himself as a documentary filmmaker. Most of his films are based on Manipuri people, their culture and issues. The director feels that his work has been appreciated from all corners, though it’s based on northeast, which is mostly isolated from mainland India based on culture and life style.
Published: January 14, 2019
Updated: January 14, 2019
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