Syam Sharma sheds light on Manipuri Cinema
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 20 2022: Eminent filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma has categorically stated that Manipuri Cinema can leap forward if filmmakers study and infuse the Manipuri way of life, aesthetics and culture into the films.

"Manipur being endowed with rich culture and aesthetic values has huge potential for production of good films," he said.

The 87-year old filmmaker was speaking during the second session of the 'Talk Series on Film Direction' on Wednesday at Preview Theatre, MSFDS, which was held as part of the Festival of Cinemas of Manipur, the concluding event of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Manipuri Cinema.

Being born a Manipuri enabled him to make celebrated films like 'Imagi Ningthem', 'Ishanou', 'Yelhou Jagoi', 'The Marams', 'Sangai-The Dancing Deer', etc., he said with pride, while maintaining that such films are the products of Manipur, particularly its culture.

He called on filmmakers to understand the nuances of Manipuri way of life.

He also noted that Manipur probably could be the only small state in the world to have consistently sustained motion picture storytelling in its own language for 50 years.

He then cautioned budding as well as experienced filmmakers that Manipuri Cinema will suffer without discipline'.

Noting lack of professional training among filmmakers and technical crews resulted in naive works, he asserted, while adding that it will be difficult to upscale the status of Manipuri Cinema without formal training and film education.

"Discipline with space for individuality is inevitable while ego and false pride will lead to the downfall of Manipuri Cinema.

The film community in Manipur is quite small and should consider as a family and strive together for collective growth", Syam remarked.

The filmmaker also said that exhibitions of films have transitioned from big silver screens to Television and to the mobile phones in everyone's pocket.

In such an era with whopping technological advancement, proper training is must for the growth of Manipuri Cinema.

With training comes awareness and understanding of the different roles, responsibilities and hierarchy of the crew, which eventually will cultivate discipline, he stressed.

He also said that choosing the right actors for particular characters goes a long way in the success of a film.

On Friday, Aribam Syam along with famed singer, Chongtham Kamala will have an extensive talk on him music and background scoring.

Prior to this, Imagi Ningthem' and Orchids of Manipur' will be screened on Thursday afternoon for the participants to grasp the idea and have an in-depth understanding about the topic.

Again on April 25, Aribam Syam Sharma would be sharing his experience on acting and directing actors for cinema, aided by luminaries Manipuri film stars Yengkhom Roma and K Tomba alias Lamza Tomba.

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