TMB Report
Imphal: Commissioner (Art& Culture) M Joy Singh has observed that the State is producing quality films, stressing on the need to discuss producing films fulfilling the present trends and place Manipuri films at international level.
He was speaking as the Chief Guest at Mami Numit & Seminar on Film Archiving & Preservation on the occasion of 3rd Foundation Day of SN Chand Cine Archive & Museum organised by Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) at its auditorium on Sunday.
Joy asserted that 1972 is a remarkable year in the history of Manipur as the Sate attained Statehood and introduced its first film. He said that 1972 is also significant for the State because RIMS was established in the same year.
He informed that almost 28 films were produced till 1997 and out of them, nine got recognition and awards. He said that the present day is the generation of digital films after celluloid and video era.
He said that with the arrival of new technological advancement, Manipur films received 39 national awards in the last two decades, out of which 18 were feature films. He denied the fact that Manipuri film is deteriorating as the State is producing many quality films. However, there is a need to discuss the changing trends to produce more quality films which could be put forward at international level.
Attending the programme, renowned film makers Aribam Syam Sharma stated that the observation of Mami Numit is a memorable one as it is the day when cinema was introduced in the State.
He recollected the struggles faced in the past to produce a film, saying it is the dedication and love for films exhibited by senior film makers that Manipuri films could earn accolades and recognition across the country and the globe.
Maintaining that young people should not forget their roots that they belong to Manipur, he said that the State has the potential in producing quality films and budding artists should work with dedication and show love for their motherland.
Syam Sharma said that the Sate is filled with talents and potential as it is known for its music and dance which was introduced in a philosophical way whether it may be Lai Haraoba, Ras Leela or Nat Sankirtan. The preservation of such art forms by the community is commendable, he added.
He said that the torch for uplifting the cinema, culture and tradition of the State is now in the hands of younger generations and that healthy competition should be carried out with each others. He said hoped that the younger generation would preserve the rich culture of the State which is unique in nature. He appealed to the youths to grasp the nuances of film making and understand the cinematic aesthetic.
He said that there is no barrier of language in films and expressed hope that equal recognition will be given to deserving films. He also urged the youths to work on preserving and uplifting the films of the State.
The seminar was also attended by Laimayum Surjakanta, Chairman of Film Forum Manipur as the President.
Rajkumar Johnson, Film Archivist, SNCCA & M gave his presentation on “SN Chand Cine Archive & Museum” while Biju Thangjam talked on the topic “Challenges of Manipur Film in Reaching OTT Platforms”.
