Joseph's Son


Joseph's Son is a Manipuri film released in 2023. It is based on a true story and features Rewben Mashangva. The film was directed by Haobam Paban Kumar 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. It is based on Sudhir Naoroibam's short story with the same title.
The film premiered at the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival in June 2023, where it was the only Indian film among 11 which competed for the Golden Goblet Award.

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.

Screening

In November 2023, Joseph's Son was selected for screening at the 29th Kolkata International Film Festival, which took place on 5 December 2023. It was also featured at the 28th International Film Festival of Kerala 2023 in Thiruvananthapuram. Additionally, the film was one of 14 nominees for the Alternativa Film Awards 2023 in Kazakhstan.

Accolades

AwardCategoryWinner's name
1st North East India Film Festival, Manipur 2024Best DirectionHaobam Paban Kumar
1st North East India Film Festival, Manipur 2024Jury Award for Outstanding PerformanceRewben Mashangva
29th Kolkata International Film FestivalSpecial Jury AwardHaobam Paban Kumar
20th Kazan International Film Festival, RussiaSpecial Jury MentionHaobam Paban Kumar
1st Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025Best FilmHaobam Paban Kumar
1st Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025Best MusicRewben Mashangva
16th Manipur State Film AwardsBest DirectionHaobam Paban Kumar
16th Manipur State Film AwardsBest CinematographyJoydeep Bose
16th Manipur State Film AwardsBest EditingSankha
16th Manipur State Film AwardsBest Audiography Sabyasachi Pal
16th Manipur State Film AwardsBest LyricistRewben Mashangva
16th Manipur State Film AwardsBest ScreenplaySudhir Naoroibam & Haobam Paban Kumar