July 17, 2026 :ISCOM Media Private Ltd. on Friday felicitated the producer and director of the Manipuri feature film Phouoibee (The Goddess of Paddy) after the film won the Best Film (North East) and Best Director (North East) awards at the Prag Cine Awards 2026.
The felicitation programme was held at the ISCOM Media Private Ltd. office at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai. The film was produced by ISCOM News Service Senior Anchor Suraj Khongbantabam and directed by Rakesh Moirangthem.
During the programme, ISCOM Media Private Ltd. Managing Director Moirangthem Gouro Meitei and News In-charge W. Gyaneshwar presented traditional shawls and mementoes to the producer and director in recognition of their achievement.
Speaking on the occasion, Gouro Meitei said the recognition brought pride not only to the filmmakers but also to ISCOM Media Private Ltd., as the producer is one of the organisation’s senior anchors. He noted that Phouoibee highlights the plight of farmers and the recurring incidents of paddy fields being set ablaze while portraying the deep cultural and spiritual significance of paddy in Manipuri society. He also expressed confidence that the film’s success would inspire the team in their future ventures.
News In-charge W. Gyaneshwar congratulated both the producer and director and wished them continued success in producing more meaningful films in the years ahead.
Director Rakesh Moirangthem and producer Suraj Khongbantabam thanked the organisation for the honour and recalled the numerous challenges faced during the making of the film. They said the production coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and was further affected by the difficult situation in Manipur, making the filmmaking process particularly demanding.
The felicitation ceremony was attended by officials of ISCOM Media Private Ltd., editors, anchors, and journalists of the organisation.
Phouoibee (The Goddess of Paddy) is based on the hardships faced by farmers whose paddy fields have been destroyed in arson incidents over the past year. The film seeks to draw attention to their suffering while reflecting the cultural importance of paddy in Manipur.
The film received the Best Film (North East) award, while Rakesh Moirangthem won the Best Director (North East) award at the Prag Cine Awards 2026, held at the Jyoti Bishnu International Auditorium, Khanapara, Guwahati.
Apart from its latest achievements, Phouoibee was officially selected for the Kolkata International Film Festival 2025, Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2026, International Folklore Film Festival (IFFD) 2026, and the Bengaluru International Film Festival. The film also received the Jury Special Award at the 3rd North East India Film Festival, Manipur 2026.
