Film makers advised to produce quality films
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 09 2023:
Marking the birth of Manipuri cinema, Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) and Film Forum Manipur jointly celebrated 'Mami Numit' at MSFDS multipurpose auditorium, Palace Gate, here, on Sunday.
'Mami Numit' is being celebrated every year on April 9 to commemorate the official release of the first ever Manipuri feature film 'Matamgee Manipur' in 1972 .
The celebration was attended by noted film maker Aribam Syam Sharma as chief guest, Film Forum Manipur chairman L Sur-jakanta Sharma as president and commissioner (art & culture) M Joy as guest of honour.
Speaking at the event, Syam Sharma stressed that entry of films made in other dialects to Manipuri (Meeteilon) cinema must be given support and collective effort made to promote Manipuri cinema comprising films made in Meeteilon and other dialects and bring it to the global level.
Accordingly, state film awards and other film awards should not be confined to Meeteilon films but cover all the films made in the state and encourage quality film makers, he suggested.
According to Syam Sharma, Manipur is not a mere land as it has very rich and significant art and culture.
He continued that forefathers of the land preserved the rich culture and traditions which also include the origin of human beings.
He also said that Manipur is known to the international fraternity owing to its distinct features in art and culture beginning from Lai Haraoba.
Though bom after the arrival of Hindu religion, Manipuri Sankirtana and Ras Leela are now among the rare heritage assets of the world.
Keeping aside religion, both Manipuri Sankirtana and Ras Leela are unique as forefathers of the land developed the two art forms with very high creativity adapted to soil and tradition of the land.
This is the reason why Manipuri Ras Leela figures among very few classical dances of the country and UNESCO recognised Manipuri Sankirtana as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013, he said, adding that culture and tradition are not purchasable items.
He then stressed the need for preserving the rich art and culture of the land bestowed by forefathers who had very high ideals and creativity.
While asserting that those making films should shoulder immense responsibility for the society and they should not forget this responsibility, Syam also stressed the need for putting enormous efforts so that Manipuri cinema could find a space in the global film platform and this would not be possible without dedication.
Films are made not merely for entertainment and commercial purposes, he said and called upon film makers to bring out quality films which could compete at national and international levels.
Meanwhile, Film Forum Manipur chairman L Surjakanta Sharma expressed his anger when majority of seats in the auditorium remained empty at the celebration.
He said that April 9 is an auspicious day for the entire film fraternity of the state but it was very unfortunate that many of them skipped the event for reasons best known to them.
He also expressed concern over lack of discipline among younger generation of the film fraternity and the seemingly division among the fraternity.
Later, a seminar on the theme 'Film archiving and preservation' as part of the 3rd birth anniversary of SN Chand Cine Archives and Museum and the 'Mami Numit' celebration was held.