The Nightmare of Bembi

The Nightmare of Bembi[a] is a 2026 Indian Meitei language short film. It is directed by Tenzing Pukhrambam. It is recognized as a sensitive portrayal of the 2023 Manipur conflict’s impact on children and families, often showing the chaos’ long lasting aftermath.[1] It is the winner of the Best Psychological Drama (War Theme) award at the Indian Panorama International Film Festival 2025–26 in Mumbai.[2] It is also the winner of the Best Short Film at the Oceaniek Short Films Awards 2026 in Chandigarh. It won top honours, including Best Debut Director, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, and Best Music, at the Jakarta Independent Cine Awards 2026, organized in Guwahati.[3][4][1]

It received Best Debut Short Film at the Kodaikanal International Film Festival and Special Jury Award for Best Debut Short Film at the Athvikvaruni International Film Festival in Tamil Nadu.[1][5][3] It is also selected for screening at the Nagpur Film Festival 2026, organised by the Nagpur University.[1][5]

It is 23 minutes in duration. It is a debut film project for the director.[1]

Cast

The film casts Pretty Laishram, Rantan Mayanglambam, Ragini, Valentina Sagapam, Amit Kshetrimayum, Zuleykq Naorem, and Priyalakhshmi Langpoklakpam.[1][2][4]

Response

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh commented on the film, “It is a matter of pride that this film presents a narrative marked by depth, sensitivity, and memorable imagery.”[1] He also commented on the film's success in achieving numerous awards in different international film festivals, "This achievement underscores the creative excellence and storytelling strength of Manipur's film fraternity".[6][7]

Awards and honours

Year Award / Category Film Festival / Organization Venue Status Note(s)
2025–26 Best Psychological Drama (War Theme) Indian Panorama International Film Festival Mumbai Won [2][3][4]
2026 Best Short Film Oceaniek Short Films Awards Chandigarh Won
Best Debut Director Jakarta Independent Cine Awards Guwahati Won
Best Actress Won
Best Screenplay Won
Best Music Won
2026 Best Debut Short Film Kodaikanal International Film Festival Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu Won [1][5]
Special Jury Award for Best Debut Short Film Athvikvaruni International Film Festival Tamil Nadu Won

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Irom, Bit (2026-04-04). "Manipur: 'The Nightmare of Bembi' wins Best Psychological Drama at Indian Panorama festival". NorthEast Now. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
  2. 1 2 3 "From BOONG to Bembi: Manipuri Cinema Continues National Festival Success". Northeast Live. 2026-04-03. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
  3. 1 2 3 "Manipuri Short Film "The Nightmare Of Bembi" Wins Global Accolades; CM Hails Achievement".
  4. 1 2 3 "Manipuri short film 'The Nightmare of Bembi' bags Best Psychological Drama at Indian Panorama Festival". Northeast News. 2026-04-04. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
  5. 1 2 3 "Tenzing Pukhrambam's "The Nightmare of Bembi" sweeps international film festivals : 03rd apr26 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
  6. ↑ "Khemchand hails 'The Nightmare of Bembi' : 04th apr26 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
  7. ↑ "Khemchand hails 'The Nightmare of Bembi'". www.thesangaiexpress.com. Retrieved 2026-07-02.
  1. ↑ written in Meitei script as ꯗ ꯅꯥꯏꯠꯃꯦꯔ ꯑꯣꯐ ꯕꯦꯝꯕꯤ.
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