Yashpaul0 at 02:38, 9 March 2026

2026-03-09T02:38:06Z

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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2024}}
{{Short description|2015 Manipuri film based on transgender issues}}
{{Infobox film
| image = It's Not My Choice (2015 film) - Poster.jpg
| director = [[Priyakanta Laishram]]
| writer = [[Priyakanta Laishram]]
| producer = Harendra Laishram
| starring = [[Bishesh Huirem]]<br/>[[Ithoi Oinam]]<br/>Chakpram Idhou
| cinematography = Momo Khurai
| editing = Priyakanta Laishram
| music = Balli Ningthoujam
| studio = Priyakanta Productions
| released = {{film date|df=y|2015|9|1}}
| runtime = 14 minutes
| country = [[India]]
| language = [[Meitei language|Meiteilon]] ([[Manipuri language|Manipuri]])
}}
'''''It's Not My Choice''''' ([[Manipuri Language|Manipuri]]: ''Eina Khankhiba Natte'') is a 2015 [[Cinema of Manipur|Manipuri film]] written and directed by [[Priyakanta Laishram]] and produced by Harendra Laishram under the banner of Priyakanta Productions.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=2 February 2024 |title=Manipuri film IT'S NOT MY CHOICE triumphs in every aspect |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2024/2/2/Brainee-HijamThe-2015-Manipuri-short-film-It-s-Not-My-Choice-Eina-Khankhiba-Natte-which-runs-for-14-minu.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260120062543/https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2024/2/2/Brainee-HijamThe-2015-Manipuri-short-film-It-s-Not-My-Choice-Eina-Khankhiba-Natte-which-runs-for-14-minu.html |archive-date=20 January 2026 |work=The Sangai Express |access-date=8 February 2024 }}</ref> Starring [[Bishesh Huirem]], [[Ithoi Oinam]], and Chakpram Idhou, the film tells the story of a young [[transgender]] Sanathoi who is deprived of her basic rights. The film was released on 1 September 2015, in [[Imphal]] at the [[Regional Institute of Medical Sciences|Regional Institute Of Medical Sciences]] and screened at 25 film festivals.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=6 February 2024 |title=It's Not My Choice: A Film To Endure For Many Years To Come |url=https://signpostnews.com/its-not-my-choice-a-film-to-endure-for-many-years-to-come/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260120063658/https://signpostnews.com/its-not-my-choice-a-film-to-endure-for-many-years-to-come/ |archive-date=20 January 2026 |work=Signpost News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=19 August 2024 |title=Like Fireflies In The Endless Dark: Emerging Queer Narratives In The Region Of North East India |url=https://feminisminindia.com/2024/08/19/like-fireflies-in-the-endless-dark-emerging-queer-narratives-in-the-region-of-north-east-india/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260120062034/https://feminisminindia.com/2024/08/19/like-fireflies-in-the-endless-dark-emerging-queer-narratives-in-the-region-of-north-east-india/ |archive-date=20 January 2026 |access-date=14 June 2025 |work=Feminism In India }}</ref> The film is the first [[Indian film|Indian short film]] to be adapted in [[Thai language|Thai]] and the first short film from [[Northeast India]] to surpass 1 [[lakh]] views and 1 million views on YouTube.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 February 2024 |title=Manipuri film 'It's not my choice' becomes the first Indian short film to be adapted into Thai |url=https://ukhrultimes.com/manipuri-film-its-not-my-choice-becomes-the-first-indian-short-film-to-be-adapted-into-thai/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260120110054/https://ukhrultimes.com/manipuri-film-its-not-my-choice-becomes-the-first-indian-short-film-to-be-adapted-into-thai/ |archive-date=20 January 2026 |work=Ukhrul Times}}</ref>

== Plot ==
Sanathoi, a young [[transgender]] person, is denied education by her father, who keeps her confined at home while allowing her younger sister to continue her education. Sanathoi is frequently subjected to neglect and abuse, oftentimes being given errands rather than treated with care and compassion.

While out to buy a box of cigarettes for her father, Sanathoi is ridiculed by a local shopkeeper who mocks her gender expression and blames her for the way others treat her. In response, Sanathoi questions whether her identity is something she ever chose, and leaves the shop.

On her way back home, she is stopped by two security personnel who harass and sexually shame her, suggesting that people like her exist only for others’ gratification. When Sanathoi tries to defend herself, the harassment intensifies. Ayeengbi, her friend, witnesses the incident, steps in to confront the men, and walks away with Sanathoi.

The two later sit together in a nearby park. There, Sanathoi opens up about the discrimination and emotional pain she experiences, both at home and in society. Ayeengbi listens, expresses solidarity, criticises the injustice Sanathoi faces, and encourages her to keep believing in herself and not give up hope.

After returning home, Sanathoi is confronted again by her father for forgetting to bring the cigarettes. His anger escalates, and he strikes her on the head. This time, Sanathoi stands up to him, expressing all the pain and injustice she has endured, not only from the outside world but also within her own family. She pleads for understanding, questioning how she can expect to find acceptance or love from the world when she is denied it in her own home. She affirms that her identity is not a matter of personal choice and asks why people like her are treated as less than human.

Her father, deeply affected but silent, sits down. The film ends with Sanathoi and her father sitting silently in the courtyard, Sanathoi weeping.

== Cast ==

* [[Bishesh Huirem]] as Sanathoi
* [[Ithoi Oinam]] as Ayeengbi
* Chakpram Idhou as Sanathoi's father
* Sophia Sapam as Local shopkeeper
* Terina Ningombam as Sanathoi's sister

== Production ==

=== Development ===
In an interview with ''[[Scroll.in]]'', Priyakanta Laishram stated that he developed the idea for the film during his senior secondary education in [[Chandigarh]], while meeting his sister's transgender friends and a friend shunned for being effeminate. He believed his films could express his authentic self and address societal taboo topics.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 June 2023 |title='I knew I wasn't transgender but I had no idea who I was': Manipuri filmmaker Priyakanta Laishram |url=https://scroll.in/article/1051143/i-knew-i-wasnt-transgender-but-i-had-no-idea-who-i-was-manipuri-filmmaker-priyakanta-laishram |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260120054548/https://scroll.in/article/1051143/i-knew-i-wasnt-transgender-but-i-had-no-idea-who-i-was-manipuri-filmmaker-priyakanta-laishram |archive-date=20 January 2026 |access-date= |work=Scroll.in }}</ref>

=== Filming ===
In a two-day schedule, [[principal photography]] for the film began in [[Imphal]] on 8 August 2015, and concluded on 9 August 2015.<ref name=":0" />

On [[Gaylaxy (magazine)|''Gaylaxy'']], Laishram stated that the entire film was shot in 2015 during the riots, curfews, mass processions, and strikes over the [[Inner Line Permit]] in [[Manipur]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 March 2017 |title=India's youngest filmmaker made a film on transgender. In Conversation with Priyakanta Laishram, A Young Manipuri Filmmaker |url=https://www.gaylaxymag.com/exclusive/15405/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308063413/https://www.gaylaxymag.com/exclusive/15405/ |archive-date=8 March 2017 |work=Gaylaxy Magazine}}</ref>

=== Post production and release ===
Balli Ningthoujam composed the film's music, while [[Priyakanta Laishram]] handled the editing.<ref name=":1" /> On 1 September 2015, the film was premiered at the [[Regional Institute of Medical Sciences]] in Imphal.<ref name=":0" /> Later, it was screened at Rajabhat University, [[Delhi University]], Punjab University, and [[Mumbai University]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 February 2024 |title=Bishesh Huirem starrer "It's Not My Choice" screened at Rajabhat University, Thailand |url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2024/2/7/IMPHAL-Feb-6The-multiple-award-winning-2015-Manipuri-short-film-It-s-Not-My-Choice-was-screened-at-Rajabha.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260120060725/https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2024/2/7/IMPHAL-Feb-6The-multiple-award-winning-2015-Manipuri-short-film-It-s-Not-My-Choice-was-screened-at-Rajabha.html |archive-date=20 January 2026 |work=The Sangai Express |access-date=8 February 2024 }}</ref>

The film became the first from [[Northeast India]] to receive more than one million views after it was made available for online streaming on [[YouTube]] on 15 January 2017.<ref name=":1" />

=== Adaptation ===
In 2024, the film has become the first [[Cinema of India|Indian film]] to be adapted into [[Thai language]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 February 2024 |title=Indian short film on transgender issue to be adapted for Thai audiences |url=https://thethaiger.com/news/national/indian-short-film-on-transgender-issue-to-be-adapted-for-thai-audiences-video#google_vignette |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260120110430/https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/environment/thailands-pm2-5-levels-soar-posing-health-risks-in-38-provinces?tie-ajax-post=1 |archive-date=20 January 2026 |access-date=14 June 2025 |work=Thaiger}}</ref>

== Reception ==
Upon release, the film received favorable reviews, with reviewers applauding the performances, writing, and direction in particular. ''[[The Sangai Express]]'' wrote, "It's Not My Choice triumphs in every aspect".<ref name=":1" />

''Signpost News'' wrote'','' "The 14-minute film does more in its brief running time than any other [[Meitei cinema|Manipuri feature film]] in its genre that is two or three hours long."<ref name=":0" />

''E-pao'' wrote, "A project like this comes full circle with the clear passion behind it. Definitely, a step towards more progressive Manipuri [[queer]] cinema."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Atom |first=Sangita |date=25 November 2022 |title=It's Not My Choice (Eina Khankhiba Natte) |url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.movies.Its_Not_My_Choice_Eina_Khankhiba_Natte_Review_By_Sangita_Atom |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260120062807/https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.movies.Its_Not_My_Choice_Eina_Khankhiba_Natte_Review_By_Sangita_Atom |archive-date=20 January 2026 |work=E-Pao |access-date=8 February 2024 }}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|15388308}}

[[Category:Indian drama short films]]
[[Category:2010s Meitei-language films]]
[[Category:Indian LGBTQ-related short films]]
[[Category:2015 short films]]
[[Category:2015 LGBTQ-related films]]

It's Not My Choice - Revision history

Yashpaul0 at 02:38, 9 March 2026