{{Short description|Screenwriter, lyricist and director}} {{Use Indian English|date=November 2019}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}} {{Infobox person | name = Romi Meitei | image = File:RMeitei.jpg | caption = | birth_name = Mayanglambam Romi Meitei | education = Graduate,Sociology, D.M. College of Arts | years_active = 2004-present | birth_date = | birth_place = Wangkhei Pukhrambam Leirak, Imphal, Manipur | parents = | spouse = Sheetal Chingsubam | children = 3 | height = }} '''Romi Meitei''' is an Indian film director, screenwriter and lyricist who works in Manipuri films.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://manipurtimes.com/public-support-behind-growth-of-manipur-film-industry-romi-meetei/|title=Public support behind growth of Manipur Film Industry – Romi Meitei|author=Amukhomba Ngangbam |accessdate=5 December 2021|website=manipurtimes.com}}</ref> He is a recipient of several awards at film festivals organized in India and abroad, including a National Film Award.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 October 2023 |title=Romi Meitei, Saikhom Ratan shine at National Film Awards |url=https://www.ifp.co.in/movies/romi-meitei-saikhom-ratan-shine-at-national-film-awards |work=Imphal Free Press}}</ref>
''Angangba Kurao Mapal, Thoiba Thoibi'', ''Inga Nonglakta'', ''Hiktharaba Samji: Pizza'', ''Akhunba Mani'', ''Khujingee Mami'', ''Ekhenglakta Red Rose'', ''Natephamda Tero'', ''Chumthang Makhong'', ''Imagi Laman Singamdre'', ''Thengmankhre Thabalse'', ''Mikithi'' and ''Eikhoigi Yum'' are some of the well-known movies he directed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Press_Release.Press_Release_2015.Interaction_with_team_of_Manipuri_Film_personalities_at_Delhi_20150413|title=Interaction with team of Manipuri Film personalities at Delhi 20150413|website=www.e-pao.net}}</ref>
He has also made films which are adaptations of famous radio plays and ''Shumang Kumheis''. ''Imagi Laman Singamdre'', ''Yotpi'', ''Sanagi Nga'', ''Sangbrei Managi Chenghi Manam'', ''Hiktharaba Samji: Pizza'' are among such films.
In 2017, he directed a music video titled ''Nura Pakhang''. It is a Portuguese and Meitei language collaboration music video on the present situation of Manipuri pony.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.radioandmusic.com/entertainment/editorial/news/170615-manipuri-folk-singer-collaborates-portuguese|title=Manipuri folk singer collaborates with Portuguese group for a cause|website=www.radioandmusic.com}}</ref> As of 2022, his feature film ''Eikhoigi Yum'' Won ''FIPRESCI'' International Federation of Film Critics Award for the best International Film and ''NETPAC'' Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema Jury Special Mention at the 27th International Film Festival of Kerala.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2022/2/18/IMPHAL-Feb-17-Romi-Meitei-s-feature-film-Eikhoigi-Yum-has-been-selected-for-the-22nd-Jio-Mumbai-A.html|title=Eikhoigi Yum - The Sangai Express|access-date=18 February 2022|newspaper=The Sangai Express}}</ref>
==Accolades== ''Romi Meitei'' has won many awards for his feature and non-feature films. His 2013 movie ''Tabunungda Akaiba Likli'' swept many awards at the SSS MANIFA 2014. ''Noong Amadi Yeroom'', his 2011 non-feature film received official selection in 42nd IFFI (International film festival of India), Indian Panorama, MIFF 2012 International competition, 2nd Best Film in Manhattan Short Film Festival and Official selection at Beyond Bollywood festival, Frankfurt.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/manipuri-film-selected-for-frankfurt-festival/articleshow/16872470.cms|title=Noong Amadi Yeroom: Manipuri film selected for Frankfurt festival | Guwahati News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref> ''Eesing Gi Machu'' won the Best Film at the Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.Top_Stories.Top_Stories_2016.Romi_Meitei_wins_first_prize_at_Brahmaputra_Valley_Film_Festival_20160729|title=Romi Meitei wins first prize at Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival 20160729|website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=18..101218.dec18|title=11th Manipur State Film Awards 2018 : 10th dec18 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|website=e-pao.net}}</ref>
''Yours Faithfully'' got official selection at Global Cinema festival by Film Federation of India. His 2019 non-feature film ''Motsillaba Mingsel'' bagged the Special Jury award at the 13th Manipur State Film Awards 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.movies.13th_Manipur_State_Film_Awards_2020_Result|title=13th Manipur State Film Awards 2020 Result|website=e-pao.net}}</ref> The film also won the Best Director and Best Child Artist awards at the Cochin International Shortfilm Awards 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=Snipp7..070621.jun21|title=Motsillaba Mingsel wins two awards : 07th jun21 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|website=e-pao.net}}</ref> ''Motsillaba Mingsel'' won the Grand Jury Award for Best Film and House of Illusion Award for Best Short Fiction at the Chalachitram National Film Festival 2021, held under aegis of Directorate of Film Festival and Cultural Department, Government of Assam.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ifp.co.in/9159/chalachitram-national-festival-2021-manipuri-filmmaker-romi-meiteis-motsillaba-mingsel-bags-awards|title=Chalachitram National Festival 2021: Manipuri filmmaker Romi Meitei's 'Motsillaba Mingsel' bags awards|access-date=16 August 2021|newspaper=Imphal Free Press}}</ref> The film also won the Best Short Film Award at The Himalayan Film Festival 2021 held in Leh, Ladakh.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pothashang.in/2021/10/01/biren-congratulates-himalayan-film-festival-award-winners-of-manipur/|title=Biren congratulates Himalayan Film Festival award winners of Manipur|accessdate=1 October 2021|website=www.pothashang.in}}</ref>
His 2021 film ''Eikhoigi Yum'' won the Best Feature Film award at the 14th Manipur State Film Festival 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.movies.14th_Manipur_State_Film_Award_2022_Winners_announced|title=14th Manipur State Film Award, 2022 Winners announced|access-date=4 April 2022|website=e-pao.net}}</ref> The film also won an ''Audience Choice Award for Best Narrative Feature'' at the Indie Meme Film Festival 2023, held in Austin City, United States.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 April 2023 |title=Romi Meitei’s ‘Eikhoigi Yum (Our Home)’ bags IMFF 2023 Audience Choice Award in USA |work=Ukhrul Times |url=https://ukhrultimes.com/romi-meiteis-eikhoigi-yum-our-home-bags-imff-2023-audience-choice-award-in-usa/ |access-date=21 April 2023}}</ref> At Kazan International Muslim Film Festival 2023, he won Best Director Award for the film.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 September 2023 |title=Manipuri Filmmaker Romi Meitei Bags Best Director's Award At Kazan International Muslim Film Festival |work=ABP |url=https://news.abplive.com/entertainment/celebrities/manipuri-filmmaker-romi-meitei-bags-best-director-s-award-at-kazan-international-muslim-film-festival-1628939 |access-date=11 September 2023}}</ref> At the 69th National Film Awards, the film won Best Feature Film In Manipuri.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 October 2023 |title=A reason to smile for people of Manipur! Two filmmakers from the state bag National Award |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/a-reason-to-smile-for-people-of-manipur-two-filmmakers-from-the-state-bag-national-award/articleshow/104505541.cms?from=mdr |work=Economic Times}}</ref>
He also served as jury member at the 54th International Film Festival of India for Indian Panorama Feature Films section and Central Jury at the 70th National Film Awards<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1978648|title=Indian Panorama at IFFI mirrors the nation's cultural diversity and visual literacy growth: Jury Chairperson (Indian Panorama Feature Films)|date=21 November 2023|access-date=26 November 2023|publisher=Press Information Bureau|via=press release}}</ref>
==Social work== ''Romi Meitei'' also contributes to social works. He is the Chairman of Mami Thawan Foundation,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mamithawan.com/|title=Home|website=mamithawan.com}}</ref> a non-profit foundation which provides services for the welfare of Manipur Society.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2019/8/26/IMPHAL-Aug-26-Mami-Thawan-Foundation-accorded-a-warm-welcome-to-its-member-Kangujam-Chinglensana-for-being-nominated-for-the-Arjuna-Award-to-be-presented-at-New-Delhi-on-August-29-at-Imphal-air.html|title=Mami Thawan Foundation accords warm welcome|website=www.thesangaiexpress.com}}</ref>
==Filmography== ===Selected feature films=== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year !! Title !! Notes |- | 2004 || ''Angangba Kurao Mapal'' || Debut film. |- | rowspan="2"|2005 || ''Thengmankhre Thabalse'' || A film on love, poverty and kinships. |- | ''Ayukki Likla'' || A love triangle movie. |- | rowspan="2"|2006 || ''Khuji'' || A multi-starrer romance drama. |- | ''Inga Nonglakta'' || A romance genre movie. |- | rowspan="5"|2007 || ''Dhrubatara'' || A love triangle movie. |- | ''Thoiba Thoibi'' || A production of Nison Films. A romance drama. |- | ''Akhunba Mani'' || A family drama. |- | ''Manithoiba'' || A comedy-romance genre movie. |- | ''Lengdaba Lan'' || A production of Diana Films. |- | rowspan="4"|2008 || ''Da Sadananda'' || A heartbreaking movie on romance, health and poverty. |- | ''Chumthang Makhong'' || A film on the insurgency movement in Manipur. |- | ''Ekhenglaktagi Red Rose'' || A film on the insurgency movement in Manipur. |- | ''Ingao Ngaona'' || Official selection at the 7th Manipur State Film Festival 2010. |- | rowspan="4"|2009 || ''Mikithi'' || A movie on unrequited love. |- | ''Khangdreda Nongdamba'' || A production of Pibarel Films. Official selection at the 7th Manipur State Film Festival 2010. |- |''Natephamda Tero'' || A comedy drama. |- | ''Dharmagi Mingda Imagidamak'' || A family drama which focusses on the old aged people being neglected by his/her own children. Adapted from the famous radio serial play by Herojit Naoroibam. |- | rowspan="5"|2010 || ''Imagee Ibungo'' || A production of Bandana Films. |- |''Imagi Laman Singamdre'' || A film on drug menace among the youths in Manipur. |- |''Thoudang'' || Screened at the Second International Women's Film Festival 2012, Shillong. |- | ''Ashit Awanthada Pee Thadoi Ahum'' || Adapted from Herojit Naoroibam's radio play ''Pee Thadoi Ahum''. |- | ''Mamado Leisabido Angaobido'' || Based on Khaidem Pramodini's play of the same title. |- | 2011 || ''Mikithi 2'' || Sequel to the 2009 movie ''Mikithi''. |- | rowspan="4"|2012 || ''Khujingee Mami'' || |- | ''Lanphamda Ibeni'' || Based on Kunjalal Yendrenbam's radio play of the same name. |- | ''Hiktharaba Samji: Pizza'' || Adapted from the famous Shumang Leela ''Pizza'' by Dinesh Tongbram. |- | ''Yairipok Thambalnu Amaga'' || |- | rowspan="4"|2013 || ''Mounao Thoibi'' || A comedy film on consequences faced by an adolescent. |- | ''Tabunungda Akaiba Likli'' || Received Best Director/ Best film award in SSS MANIFA 2014. A love triangle movie. |- | ''Sangbrei Managi Chenghi Manam'' || Based on the Shumang Leela by Herojit Naoroibam. |- | ''Thajagee Maihing'' || Based on the Shumang Leela of the same title. |- | 2014 || ''Amukta Ani'' || A love triangle movie. |- | rowspan="4"|2018 || ''Sanagi Nga'' || Based on the famous Shumang Leela performed by IMAA. |- | ''October''|| Worked with the Directorial team in making the movie. |- | ''Yotpi'' || Adapted from Herojit Naoroibam's radio play of the same name. |- | ''Amuktangga Haikho'' || A romance drama. |- | 2021 || ''Eikhoigi Yum'' || Winner of Best Manipuri Film at the 69th National Film Awards; FIPRESCI Award for the Best International Film and NETPAC Jury Special Awards at 27th IFFK; Best Director at 19th Kazan International Film Festival, Russia and Best Narrative Feature at Indie Meme Film Festival, Austin, USA. Won Best Cinematography at International_Film_Festival_of_Family_&_Children, Yaraslav, Russia; Best Film (Live section) at Imagine India International Film Festival, Madrid, Spain and 5 titles including Best Feature Film at the 14th Manipur State Film Awards 2022; won 3 titles at 5th Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards, Assam. |}
===Non-feature films=== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year !! Title !! Notes |- | 2010 || ''Cease Baby’s Whimpering Cry'' || Received official selection at MIFF 2010 and SiGNS 2010. |- | 2011 || ''Noong Amadi Yeroom'' || Got official selection in 42nd IFFI Indian Panorama, MIFF 2012 International competition, 2nd Best Film in Manhattan Short Film Festival and Official selection at Beyond Bollywood festival, Frankfurt.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=announcements.Ann_2012.MANIPUR-KUMHEI-Bengaluru-2012-February-04-and-05-20120201|title=MANIPUR KUMHEI Bengaluru 2012 February 04 and 05 20120201|website=e-pao.net}}</ref> |- | 2012 || ''Kaangkhada Lin'' || Winner of Best Director/Best Film award in BVFF 2013 and MIFF 2014 National Competition. |- | 2013 || ''Karfew'' || Won Best Director and Best Film on Social Issues Awards in MSFA 2014 and 2nd Best Film Award in BVFF 2014. Won the 2nd Prize at the National_Human_Rights_Commission_(NHRC)'s_Short_Film_Award_Competition 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/telugu-short-film-street-student-wins-rs-2-lakh-prize-at-nhrcs-short-film-award-competition/articleshow/89194036.cms|title=Telugu short film 'Street Student' wins Rs 2 lakh prize at NHRC's Short Film Award Competition|access-date=31 January 2022|website=The Economic Times}}</ref> |- | 2015 || ''Eesing Gi Machu (Colors of Water)'' || Won the Best Director & Best Film awards in MSFA, Best Director & Best Film awards in BVFF 2015 and MIFF 2016. |- | 2018 || ''Yours Faithfully'' || Winner of Best Director & Best Film awards in MSFA 2018 and official selection at Global Cinema Festival by Film Federation of India. |- | 2019 || ''Motsillaba Mingsel'' || Bagged the Special Jury Award at the 13th Manipur State Film Awards 2020. Won Best Director and Best Child Artist awards at the Cochin International Shortfilm Awards 2021. Official selection at the Lift-Off Global Network Sessions 2021. Best Short Film Award at The Himalayan Film Festival 2021. |- | 2025 || ''Chahi Taret Khuntakpa'' || Broadcast on History TV18 Channel, a historical film on seven years devastation that happened in Manipur during the period 1819–1826.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 June 2025 |title='If We Rely on It Fully, Art Will Die': Romi Meitei on AI in Filmmaking |url=https://imphalreviews.in/if-we-rely-on-it-fully-art-will-die-romi-meitei-on-ai-in-filmmaking/ |access-date=30 June 2025 |work=Imphal Review of Arts and Politics}}</ref> |- |}
==References== {{Reflist|2}}
==External links== * [http://e-pao.org/erang/Crews/Romi_Meitei.php Romi Meitei Interview] * [https://klmdb.com/name/0000169 Romi Meitei in KLMDb] {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Meitei, Romi}} Category:Living people Category:Film directors from Manipur Category:Indian film directors Category:Meitei people Category:People from Imphal East district Category:1976 births Category:Shumang Kumhei artists