Parshuram Thingnam’s First Short Film Toy Gun Set for World Premiere at Hyderabad International Short Film Festival 2025

Toy Gun, the debut short film by Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2023 awardee Parshuram Thingnam, has earned an official selection for its world premiere at the first-ever Hyderabad International Short Film Festival (HISFF) 2025.

The 14-minute 55-second Manipuri short will be screened during the three-day festival slated for December 19–21, 2025, at Prasads Multiplex in Hyderabad.

Organised by the Telangana Film Development Corporation in partnership with the Department of Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture, HISFF 2025 is designed to bolster India’s short-film landscape by fostering creative exchange among emerging and established filmmakers. The event will include theatrical screenings, audience interactions, panel discussions, and networking sessions.

Set against the backdrop of conflict-torn Manipur, Toy Gun tells the story of Leima, a widowed mother portrayed by Leishangthem Tonthoi, and her six-year-old son, Angamba, played by debutant child actor Thingnam Parihanba. As the Yaoshang festival arrives, Angamba’s innocent desire to own a toy gun inadvertently reopens painful memories for his mother. Told through a non-linear narrative, the film examines themes of grief, violence, and the enduring psychological impact of conflict.

Thingnam, a writer and filmmaker from Kakching Khunou, previously received the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar for his contributions to Manipuri poetry. Toy Gun marks his first venture as both writer and director.

The film is produced by Khumallambam Omeshwori, founder of Freedom Ekon & Farm House Production. A first-time producer, engineer, and mother of two, Omeshwori brings both technical insight and artistic passion to the project.

Cast: Leishangthem Tonthoi (Leima); Thingnam Parihanba (Angamba); Irengbam Premananda (Khomei)