The Last Step (Short Film)
| The Last Step | |
|---|---|
 Official poster | |
| Directed by | Monis Lairenlakpam |
| Produced by | Bijou Thaangjam |
| Written by | Bijou Thaangjam |
| Starring | Rabina Kolom, Daina Laitonjam, Bobo Hayum, Thangjam Aruna Devi, Yumkham Nilu, Nongthombam Subalata |
| Music by | Monish Athokpam |
| Cinematography | Nellish Naoroibam |
| Edited by | Bonny Ningthouja |
Production company | Cicada Film Production |
Release date |
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| Country | India |
| Language | Meitei |
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The Last Step is a 2025 Indian Meitei-language short film directed by Monis Lairenlakpam and written and produced by Bijou Thaangjam under his banner, Cicada Film Production. With cinematography by Nellish Naoroibam, music by Monish Athokpam, and editing by Bonny Ningthouja, the film features a powerful ensemble of dancers and actors in their first major screen roles.
The film tells a poignant story of resilience, sacrifice, and the silent emotional battles faced by female artists. Rooted in the director's background in classical Manipuri dance, it serves as a poetic tribute to the strength, vulnerability, and ambition that exist behind the stage.
The Last Step won the Best Women's Film award at the Sittanavasal International Film Festival 2025, and was nominated at the IWART Asian Women's Film Festival in New Delhi. It was also officially selected for the Youth Diversity Film Festival in Los Angeles.[1]
Synopsis
Set in the vibrant world of Manipuri dance, The Last Step[2]follows two young women, Dyna and Arangbi, who work as background dancers in local music videos. Dyna, raised in a supportive household, is driven by ambition, while Arangbi, the daughter of a widowed pan shop owner, struggles against societal ridicule.
As an important audition approaches, tensions rise between them. Their paths reveal the emotional costs of ambition and societal judgment. The film concludes with an open-ended epilogue that asks whether dreams truly fade—or whether people give up too soon.
Cast
- Rabina Kolom as Dyna
- Daina Laitonjam as Arangbi
- Bobo Hayum as Oja
- Thangjam Aruna Devi Lady in Hotel
- Yumkham Nilu as Arangbi's mother
- Nongthombam Subalata as Dyna's mother
Production
The Last Step is a heartfelt, dancer-led narrative produced to uplift new Manipuri talent. Nearly every member of the cast and crew are newcomers, many of whom are trained dancers making their cinematic debut. The veteran performers Yumkham Nilu and Nongthombam Subalata return to acting after decades, bringing authenticity and emotional depth to their roles.
Director
Monis Lairenlakpam is a dancer-turned-director making her debut with this film. A graduate of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, she has performed internationally and assisted on three feature films prior to directing The Last Step.
Director's Statement
The Last Step is not just a film—it's a mirror to the sacrifices artists make in silence. It's about resilience, rejection, and choosing to keep moving anyway."
Awards and Nominations
- Winner: Best Women's Film – Sittanavasal International Film Festival 2025[1]
- Nominated: IWART Asian Women's Film Festival, New Delhi
- Official Selection: Youth Diversity Film Festival, Los Angeles
Reception
The film has been applauded for its emotionally rich storytelling, grounded performances, and sensitive portrayal of Manipuri women artists. It has gained attention across national and international film festivals.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "The Last Step Wins Best Women Film at Sittanavasal International Film Festival 2025". E-Pao.net. E-Pao. 2025. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
- ↑ "The Last Step: Celebrating Manipuri Dance and Its Untold Struggles". E-Pao.net. E-Pao. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
External links
- The Last Step on IMDb
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