Private Project

ONENESS

Inspired by a true event from 2013, ONENESS tells the story of Ivan Martin, a young boy from a deeply conservative Christian family in Manipur, India. In a society where homosexuality is condemned and silenced, Ivan’s heart defies fear when he falls in love with Pamheiba, a boy from the Meitei community. Their bond, forged in secrecy and strength, becomes a radical act of love in a society that refuses to accept them.

When their relationship is discovered, Ivan is forced into the harrowing ordeal of conversion therapy by his own family. His father and older brother, Daniel, driven by blind faith and societal shame, do everything in their power to "correct" him. But amid the cruelty and rejection, Ivan finds support from his mother and sister, whose quiet resistance becomes his only source of solace.

As tensions rise and the pressure to conform mounts, love becomes both a refuge and a rebellion. The film reaches a shattering climax when Daniel, unable to accept the truth, commits an irreversible act that alters their lives forever. ONENESS is a stirring portrayal of love, identity, and the cost of being true to oneself in a world built on intolerance. It is a call for empathy, acceptance, and the courage to stand against hate.

In over 50 years of Manipuri cinema, ONENESS stands as the first-ever film to boldly confront sexual identity and authentically explore same-sex relationships.

• ONENESS made its world premiere at KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2024, South Asia's Largest Queer Film Festival.
• ONENESS is listed in the Top 3 Manipuri Films on IMDb.
• ELLE India listed ONENESS in the Top 8 Films At KASHISH 2024.
• MID-DAY listed ONENESS in the Top 10 Films At KASHISH 2024.
• Official Selection at the BANGALORE QUEER FILM FESTIVAL 2024.
• Official Selection at the 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival 2025 (2nd EIIFF 2025).
• Official Selection - In Competition - at the 2nd North East India Film Festival, Manipur, 2025.
• Won BEST DIRECTOR - Northeast (Priyakanta Laishram) at the PRAG CINE AWARDS 2025.
• Nominated for BEST FILM - Northeast, BEST ACTOR - Northeast (Priyakanta Laishram), and BEST ACTRESS - Northeast (Maya Choudhury) at the PRAG CINE AWARDS 2025.
• Official Selection - Finalist - In Competition at the Aravali International Film Festival 2025, New Delhi.

  • Priyakanta Laishram
    Director
  • Priyakanta Laishram
    Writer
  • Roushil Singla
    Producer
  • Priyakanta Laishram
    Producer
  • Maya Choudhury
    Key Cast
    "Anna Martin"
  • Priyakanta Laishram
    Key Cast
    "Ivan Martin"
  • Suraj Ngashepam
    Key Cast
    "Pamheiba Hijam"
  • Sachinker Sagolsem
    Key Cast
    "Daniel Martin"
  • Harendra Laishram
    Key Cast
    "Peter Martin"
  • Ramva Leishangthem
    Key Cast
    "Mersia Martin"
  • Priyakanta Laishram
    Editor
  • Boong Konjengbam
    Directors Of Photography
  • Ibomcha Irom
    Directors Of Photography
  • Whitesand Music
    Directors Of Music
  • Scott Buckley
    Directors Of Music
  • Noel Malekar
    Directors Of Music
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 54 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    February 28, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    24,128 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Language:
    Manipuri
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2024
    Mumbai
    India
    May 17, 2024
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Bangalore Queer Film Festival 2024
    Bangalore
    India
    August 23, 2024
    Bangalore Premiere
    Official Selection
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival 2025
    Imphal
    India
    February 8, 2025
    Official Selection
  • 2nd North East India Film Festival, Manipur, 2025
    Imphal
    India
    February 13, 2025
    Official Selection - COMPETITION
  • Prag Cine Awards 2025
    Guwahati
    India
    March 9, 2025
    BEST DIRECTOR - NORTHEAST (Won), BEST FILM - NORTHEAST (Nominated), BEST ACTOR - NORTHEAST (Nominated), BEST ACTOR FEMALE (Nominated).
  • Aravali International Film Festival 2025
    Delhi
    India
    April 6, 2025
    Official Selection - Finalist - IN COMPETITION. Nominated for BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY.
Director Biography - Priyakanta Laishram

PRIYAKANTA LAISHRAM is an Indian actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, film editor, and television host from Imphal, Manipur, India who predominantly works in Manipuri films, known for his socially relevant and unconventional movies. He started making children's films at the age of 9 by using a Nokia N70 mobile phone, for which he won several titles including The Youngest Filmmaker 2009 from Nokia and Manipur's Rising Star 2011 from Asian News International. His short films and docu-fiction films including It's Not My Choice (2015), I am Special (2017), Who Said Boys Can't Wear Makeup (2018), The Foul Truth (2019), and Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! (2021), have garnered numerous national and international awards.
Laishram's 2024 debut feature film, ONENESS, is the first Manipuri film based on same-sex relationships.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

ONENESS is a film that has navigated numerous challenges from its inception to its completion. Inspired by a tragic real-life incident, the story delves into same-sex relationships, a subject that remains unaddressed in Manipuri cinema. The journey of bringing this film to life was marked by significant hurdles, including opposition and objections, and an unsuccessful eight-month search for a lead actor willing to portray a gay character. Additionally, finding producers willing to support the project proved difficult.

The production of ONENESS began in 2022, yet the road to completion was far from smooth. Overcoming societal resistance, the film was finally completed in February 2024. The challenges faced during this process reflect broader issues around LGBTQ+ representation in cinema, particularly in regions where such topics are often met with silence or hostility.

As the first Manipuri film to tackle sexual identity, ONENESS aspires to open up dialogue and understanding within the community. The film's creation involved not just technical and creative efforts, but a deep commitment to storytelling that challenges prevailing norms.