'Imphal -1944' to be screened today
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 27 2014 :
'Imphal - 1944', a 30-minute long short feature film based on Second World War produced by Japanese national and Hollywood actor Junichi Kajioka will be screened at MFDC Hall, Palace Compound tomorrow on the occasion of concluding programme of the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Imphal (WWII) .
Addressing a press meet in this connection at Hotel Imphal here today, Junichi Kajioka informed that the film focuses on character of a Japanese solider and it would also be presented at various international film festivals after necessary editing.
On how he got the inspiration for making the film, Junichi Kajioka said that he had an interview with one Masao Hirakudo Obe, a Japanese soldier in London, who fought in the Battle of Imphal during World War 2 .
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The way Masao narrated about Imphal interested him so much that he was prompted to visit Imphal earlier.
On that visit, he also went to Kanglatongbi in Sadar Hills, Senapati district and Sangsak in Ukhrul district, which are the places mentioned by Masao.
Then he decided to make a film on Masao.
However, due to to financial constraint, he could not shoot the documentary film on the life of Masao Hirakudo Obe in Imphal.
"I shot the 30 minutes long film in London itself taking 6 days to complete," the Japanese film maker said, while conveying his desire to make a full feature film on the life of Masao in Manipur itself once his financial condition improves.
Junichi observed that Japan and Manipur are identical in many respects whether it is in appearance or food, and informed that he will be planting tree saplings at Heingang Hill and in and around Khwairamband Nupi Market during his stay in Imphal.
Yumnam Rajeshwor, a member of the organising committee of the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Imphal (WWII), who was also present during the press meet, said that on June 29 there will be a public interaction programme at Imphal Movie Club in Thangal bazar with Junichi Kajioka.