Meet deliberates on film policy and disturbances
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 24, 2012:
An open discussion programme on the absence of a film policy in Manipur and frequent disturbances in the form of unaffordable monetary demands was held today at Mini Shankar auditorium, Lamphel.
Taking part in the open discussion programme, actor Narendra Ningomba reminded that the film fraternity has been urging the Government to formulate a concrete a film policy for the State for the last many years but to no avail.
Alleging that the State Government has no desire to promote regional films, Narendra stated that Manipuri films can make little progress if films are not produced under a definite policy.
Director Khwairakpam Bishwamitra said most of the film producers used to borrow money from others to produce films.
Under such circumstances, it is really unfortunate for armed groups to make monetary demands to hall proprietors and producers.
The Film Forum cannot take responsibility for Manipuri films.
The Government's Art and Culture Department should take responsibility for steering and promoting Manipuri films, Bishwamitra asserted.
Prof AK Bimol noted that people are complaining against the film fraternity for not producing quality films but the film producers are products of the fragmented society which cannot connect with the reality.
It would be too much to expect the best from film producers when the society itself is critically sick, he said.
Senior citizen Binoy said that film is a industry.
If the products churned out by such industry is not appreciated by the public, the film industry would not survive.
Observing that the Manipuri film industry is at a nascent stage, he remarked that the film industry of Manipur is still unable to produce any film based on history or mythology.
Nevertheless, he appealed to all the people not to nip the Manipur film industry at the bud but support for its growth.