Luingamla opens a wider conversation about dignity, memory, accountability and the long-standing Naga struggle for political rights and sovereignty.

Ukhrul, August 15 | EKHON: The much-anticipated film Luingamla premiered to a packed house in Manipur’s Ukhrul on Friday, bringing to the screen the harrowing story of a young Naga woman whose struggle for dignity and justice has remained etched in the collective memory for decades.

Produced by Meiphung Production, the film portrays the life and ordeal of Luingamla Maza, whose death at the hands of armed personnel has long been remembered as a tragic chapter in the history of the Naga people. For decades, her story lived largely through family memories and oral accounts. Luingamla now brings that story to a wider audience, preserving her memory through cinema.

The premiere was particularly moving with the presence of Luingamla’s elder brother, Wungmazak Mazanao, elder sister,  Shimreiwon, younger sister Tharawon, and other members of the family. Their presence gave the occasion an added emotional and historical significance, as the family continues to carry the memory of a beloved daughter and sister whose death left a lasting impact on the community.

During a brief ceremonial programme, Aning Ruivah, CEO of Meiphung Production, acknowledged the presence of the family and said the occasion belonged first and foremost to them.

“It is indeed an emotional moment,” Ruivah said, expressing gratitude to the family for raising Luingamla with values of dignity, discipline and courage. The family members attended the premiere wearing Luingamla kashan, making the occasion deeply personal and symbolic.

Ruivah also praised Ilishan Jajo, who essayed the title role, saying her performance carried the film and had earned the appreciation of the production team. He also acknowledged the contribution of the entire cast and crew, noting that each member had played an important role in bringing the story to life.

Jajo, in her remarks, thanked Meiphung Production for giving her the opportunity to portray Luingamla. She said she was deeply inspired by the character when she first read the script.

For Jajo, Luingamla represented courage and dignity, someone who was not afraid to stand up for her rights. She said women could draw inspiration from Luingamla’s courage, resilience and dignity, while thanking the audience for coming out in large numbers to support the film.

Wungmazak Mazanao, who attended the premiere as a special guest, conveyed the family’s wishes to the people and described the occasion as one of the most precious moments for him as Luingamla’s elder brother.

He also shared a deeply personal memory about his mother and the circumstances surrounding Luingamla’s birth. According to Wungmazak, his mother once dreamt that she was standing on a mountaintop when a voice called out to her and asked her to count as many stars as she could. The dream was vivid and surreal, leaving her uncertain at the time whether it was a good or bad omen. 

He recalled Luingamla as a bright student who received a meritorious scholarship while studying at Ngainga High School. She was remembered as kind, cheerful and good-natured, and was loved by the wider village community.

As a gesture of appreciation, Ruivah presented gifts to the family members present at the premiere.

The evening also featured special performances by Reyamee Chahongnao and Mayochan Shokwungnao, who performed their popular song Tangkhul Ramyoram.

The film had already generated considerable curiosity following the release of its trailer. In a gesture of solidarity with people affected by the prevailing conflict situation and to coincide with the Naga’s Independence Day, Luingamla was also screened free of charge in Ukhrul.

More than four decades after Luingamla’s death, the story continues to resonate against the backdrop of the complex political and social realities surrounding the Naga people, the ongoing conflict in the region and the relationship between Nagas, Kukis and the Indian state.

Seema K. Awungshi, co-director of the film, observed that, like Luingamla, many Nagas continue to wait for the justice they believe is owed to them. The filmmakers added that their objective is not simply to retell a tragic episode from the past, but to reignite among younger generations an interest in the history and struggles of the Naga people and ensure that stories such as Luingamla’s are not forgotten.

The response inside the hall marked the emotional weight of the story. Collective gasps, moments of silence, even cheers and quiet sobs could be heard during the screening, reflecting the deep sorrow and empathy evoked by the film. Jajo’s portrayal of Luingamla, in particular, drew strong appreciation from the audience.

The film’s screening also reportedly faced opposition. According to sources, Assam Rifles personnel allegedly attempted to stop the screening, reportedly expressing concern that the film portrayed the force in a negative light.

For the filmmakers and those who came to watch, however, the screening represented something larger than a film premiere. Stories such as Luingamla’s, they believe, must be remembered, told and seen.

Cinema has long demonstrated its ability to shape public consciousness and influence conversations around history, identity and justice. In that sense, Luingamla seeks to do more than recount an individual tragedy. It opens a wider conversation about dignity, memory, accountability and the long-standing Naga struggle for political rights and sovereignty.

The houseful premiere made one thing clear that decades after her death, Luingamla’s story continues to live, not only in the memory of her family, but in the consciousness of a new generation.