Manipuri Film 'Fireflies in the Dark' Premieres at Vancouver International Film Festival

A Glimpse into 'Fireflies in the Dark'

Guwahati, Oct 12: The narrative of Fireflies in the Dark unfolds amidst chaos, depicting a pregnant woman in labor amidst gunfire, a young boy searching for his mother alongside a stray calf, and a cafe owner risking her safety to provide refuge for those fleeing violence.

This Manipuri film, directed by Yogesh Lohan, is set against the ongoing conflict in Manipur that has persisted for years.

Having premiered at the 2026 Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) on October 6, the 85-minute film was featured in the Panorama Cinemas of Asia segment.

Set against the backdrop of the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur in 2023, Fireflies in the Dark delves into themes of survival, resilience, and the human toll of conflict through three interconnected narratives.

Producer Jani Viswanath emphasized that the film employs a fragmented, non-linear storytelling approach and intimate handheld cinematography to depict the conflict without glorifying violence.

Instead, she noted, the film focuses on the edges of disaster, questioning what it means to persevere when everything around you has come to a halt.

“It serves as a quiet yet powerful reminder that hope, no matter how faint, always finds a way to persist,” Viswanath remarked.

The screenplay was crafted by Chingsanglakpa and Yogesh Lohan, who shared that his journey began with meeting survivors in Manipur.

“Initially, I approached this project as a screenwriter. Before penning a single scene, I traveled to Manipur to meet survivors who had lost everything. What resonated with me was not just their pain and trauma, but the quiet, unwavering hope reflected in their eyes. That hope became the film's heartbeat,” he explained.

Lohan expressed that the film aims to honor these lives without sensationalism, having been filmed in authentic locations across Manipur with the trust and support of local communities. “That trust is evident in every frame,” he added.

The Vancouver screening was a significant emotional milestone for Lohan. “After all the challenges we faced to bring this film to fruition, witnessing it finally reach an audience is incredibly meaningful,” he stated.

Notable actors in the film include Bala Hijam Ningthoujam, recognized for the BAFTA-winning film ‘Boong’, along with Leishangthem Tonthoingambi Devi, Angom Pamdamba Singh, Aheibam Chiranjit, Luwang Yumlembam, and Ratan Lai.

The film also features several first-time actors, some from remote villages and refugee camps, who had never acted before, adding a layer of authenticity to the portrayal of lived experiences.

Viswanath reflected on the production challenges, stating, “Every day presented a challenging yet fascinating situation. One of the film's most remarkable aspects is the inclusion of first-time actors, some from remote areas and refugee camps, who brought genuine, lived experiences to the screen.”

When asked about the film's message, Lohan succinctly stated: “The world we live in is increasingly influenced by violence, division, and unrest. Yet, amidst this reality, humanity continues to discover reasons to persevere. This film celebrates that instinct and the belief that light, however small, will always find a way through.”