Filmmaker Meena Longjam’s ‘Andro Dreams’ breaks the mould of sports films, offering a nuanced perspective on a Manipur village, challenging societal norms through the lens of an all-girls football team.
Sports films are generally sentimental, but evacuated of real sentiments, and tend to follow the clichéd template – familiar tales of the heroic underdog player, hard-charging coach or team of misfits that somehow becomes a winner.
However, Manipuri filmmaker Meena Longjam’s film “Andro Dreams” brings freshness to this genre. The movie transcends the football field and ventures into the heart of economic challenges, patriarchal systems, and societal norms, offering a nuanced perspective on the triumphs and tribulations faced by young female players and their anchor, the indomitable Laibi Phanjoubam, in a corner of Manipur.
This year, the Indian Panorama’s non-feature film section at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa opened with “Andro Dreams”, which challenges stereotypes and norms through the lens of an all-girls football club in Andro, a village nestled about 25km from Manipur’s capital city of Imphal.
Andro, derived from “Handro”, meaning “village of the people who returned” in the local dialect, is renowned for its verdant forests and traditional pottery, Charai Taba, crafted by the skilled hands of the ethnic community. However, in recent times, it has earned another accolade as the home of the Andro Mahila Mandal Association Football Club (AMMA-FC), which Laibi founded in 1999.
Born in 1959, Laibi is an exemplary example of how human determination and resolve can move mountains and realise the most extraordinary dream. “As the fourth girl child in the family, my father was unhappy when I was born. He was ready to discard me when my aunt suggested against the idea saying someday I may be useful to ‘clean rice’,” she said.
Despite societal expectations, she defied odds to become the first woman in Andro to “complete a graduate’s degree”. She later worked as a school teacher and became involved in social work at a young age.
Also Read: Trials and tribulations of Manipur’s six-a-side football
Then, Laibi’s life took a unique trajectory. “I made up my mind that I won’t marry and decided to dedicate my life to mentoring the young girls of Andro and giving them purpose and direction,” she said with a soft yet firm resolve.
With minimal external financial support, Laibi has sustained AMMA FC for over three decades through income generated from sericulture and weaving.
Manipuri filmmaker and academician Meena Longjam’s work is among the empowering stories originating from this remote region of the Northeast, showcasing the resilience of communities and individuals in the face of societal challenges.
Jani Viswanath, the executive producer of “Andro Dreams”, has encouraged and supported stories of women who according to her are the “silent pillars” of society.
Meena underscored the transformation Laibi brought to Andro. “Girls were forbidden to play in Andro. Over the years, Laibi has managed to change that, and more girls are now joining AMMA FC,” maintained Meena, who shot “Andro Dreams” over five years.
Also Read: Manipur youngster tackles life’s odds to scorch football pitch
Despite financial constraints in Andro, where some parents can’t afford football boots for their daughters, Laibi’s club goes beyond the game. The girls receive not only training and nourishment but also soft skills and computer coaching to secure promising futures.
Apart from the usual challenges of financial constraints and the orthodox mindset of the villagers, Laibi continues to face new challenges. “In Andro, a girl’s life is finished after she gets married, as most families don’t allow them to study or play further. I always tell them to focus on themselves and on football, at least till they’re 18 years old. Else, they’ll easily lose their way,” she said.
The struggle is evident as some, like star footballer Nirmala, defy advice and elope for marriage. Nirmala’s story unfolds as a poignant reminder of societal expectations. Married life curtails her football dreams, yet, after persistent efforts by Laibi, she resumes playing and even secures a spot in a Bengaluru football club. However, her journey takes an unexpected turn when she discovers pregnancy, leading to her departure from the club.
Also Read: Santhal girls shatter social taboo playing football
“Sometimes I regret marrying and think I should have focused on football like the rest of the girls. It all seems like a past hobby now,” said Nirmala, recalling her football-playing days.
Nestled in the foothills of the picturesque Nongmaiching range and rooted in tradition, Andro has a history of pride, resilience and self-reliance. However, the preponderant Meitei community villagers are superstitious and deeply protective of their customs.
The ancient temple of Mei Mutaba has a rich history and is dedicated to the village deity Panam Ningthou. Another practice that the Meitei people take pride in is the making of the indigenous brew Sekmai, prepared from fermented rice. Sekmai is an integral ingredient in all the festivals and celebrations in Andro.
Andro, where superstition intertwines with pride, Laibi’s mentorship extends beyond football, imparting life lessons to the girls. “Don’t just think of winning the game, think of giving it your best,” she affirmed, highlighting that the process is as crucial as the outcome. It serves as a metaphor for what it means to fight and prove you have the eye of the tiger.
Also Read: Discover the hidden gems of Manipur
The lead image at the top shows an AMMA FC player during a match. (Photo by Team Andro Dreams)
Manu Shrivastava is a lawyer and journalist based in Mumbai. She is also the co-convenor of ‘The Woman Survivor’ initiative.
