Tangkhul filmmaker calls for preservation of films
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 16 2022:
Noted multilingual filmmaker and producer from Tangkhul community, Wungkathing Makang has emphasised the need for giving special focus to film preservation at all times and not only during film festivals.
He stated this during a post-screening interaction after his 1994 classic Tangkhul film 'Manho' was screened on the 3rd day of the ongoing Festival of Cinemas of Manipur at Palace Auditorium, Manipur State Film Development Society here on Saturday.
Indicating that film preservation can never be too late, Wungkathing assured of donating copies of his existing films to the SN Chand Archives and Museum, MSFDS which was inaugurated last year.
He further stated that the ongoing festival helps in realising the urgent need for the people of Manipur especially authorities concerned to fixate on preservation of Manipuri films.
Expressing concern over the dwindling number of cinemas in the state and disappearance of the same from Ukhrul district, Wungkathing pointed out that market control is becoming difficult and producers are pushed to the wall with many opting for CDs and other platforms.
To the surprise of many, Wungkathing also disclosed that the production cost of his film was around Rs 40,000 only.
Young filmmaker Tushar Nongthombam's 'Monsoon of Life' was screened as the second film of the day.
Operation Sangai' directed by eminent filmmaker and cinematographer L Surjakanta and 'Amuba Chandan' by K Bimol Sharma were also screened on the third day of the festival.
An interesting debate on the superiority between adhering to what was demanded by the script and the schedule of artistes was also witnessed during the post-screening interaction of 'Operation Sangai' .
MSFDS has expressed regret over cancelling the scheduled screening of late Chan Heisnam's Kanaga Hinghouni' owing to technical glitches.
It has been informed that MSFDS will make it convenient to screen the film in the next few days.