Biography

Haobam Paban Kumar is an Indian filmmaker from state of Manipur. Kumar's films and documentaries have been screened in several places across the globe. Kumar's debut feature film Loktak Lairembee (Lady of the lake) won the National Film Award for Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation at the 64th National Film Awards, 2016. He also won ‘German Star of India’ at the 14th Indian Film Festival in Stuttgart, Germany for the film in 2017. Kumar's documentary ‘AFSPA 1958’ in 2006 was one of the highly critical and widely appreciated films across the globe for his daredevil attempt to showcase the harsh reality of the ill effects of Arms Forces Special Power Act in Manipur state. Kumar’s other films 'The First Leap' (2008), 'Mr India' (2009) and 'Ruptured Spring' (2012) have also been appreciated. Kumar's Phum Shang (Floating Life) on Loktak lake, the largest freshwater lake in northeast India which is characterized by its unique floating biomass, has also brought laurels for the filmmaker.