Foreign actors to act in Manipuri film

IMPHAL: Manipuri director Mohen Naorem's celluloid project 'My Japanese Niece' will have eight foreign actors in the film. While Japanese model Yu Asada and London-based actor Junichi Kajioka have already been finalized to play the protagonists' role, another six foreign actors have agreed to work in the film in principle.

Asada will play the role of the Japanese girl, who comes to Manipur to pay homage to her uncle after two decades of the Second World War. Her uncle, played by Junichi, was part of the Japanese troops who fought against the Allied Forces during the war. Junichi comes to her in her dream and tells her to visit a far-flung village to find some documents. Asada visits the village with the help of her Manipuri guide finds unposted letters and war-time dairies of lost soldiers, said Mohen.

Manila-based American actor Rob Rownd will play a British, French actress Fanny Florido, who is based in India, will play the role of a British lady, while Korean actress Sun Kim will be cast as a Manipuri girl, Mohen told TOI on Thursday.

"We also have a mixture of Manipuri artists and three international actors for extra cameo roles," the film maker said.

"In the crew section, we have international assistant directors, executive producers, sound engineers and costume and makeup artists, who will be assisted by Manipuri crew members," he added.

The shooting for the film will begin in November, Mohen said, adding discussions to hold international premiers for the film in select cities like Tokyo, Sanghai, Busan, Singapore, Manila, USA and a few European countries are on. The film will be shot both in Manipur and a few places of Japan.

Mohen, who has directed some Manipuri feature films, said the film has a budget of Rs one crore, but Japanese war veterans and family members of war victims have extended moral and financial support to make the film successful.

"I am confident of delivering what the audience wants. In fact, this film will be a turning point in Manipuri cinema as we are projecting a worldwide release," he said. Though the film has a low budget compared to the Mumbai film industry, this is the highest ever budjet in Manipuri cinema.

"We are not worried about the earning. What is important is the capability to make international standard films with international cast and crew. We will consult veteran filmmakers like Aribam Syam Sharma, Makhonmani Mongsaba and film forum Manipur chairperson Surjakanta Sharma," he added.