Five day session on Syam Sharma's films concludes
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 12 2016: Celebrated filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma has stressed on the importance of engaging deeply with the state of filmmaking in Manipur.

He said that all films should be deeply studied by the filmmakers with the audience after screening of the same so as to discover its strength and weakness.

Syam Sharma was speaking at the closing function of the five-day retrospective on his films and masterclass organised by Chingleipak Cine Club, Bishnupur and Chingkhurakpa Art, Chingkhu at the community centre of Bishnupur Municipal Council today.

The ace filmmaker stated that since the people of Manipur have their own unique cultural expression, all the efforts to imitate the culture and tradition of other bigger Indian communities would not bear the expected fruit.

Five day session on Syam Sharma's films concludes

Pointing out the differences between Manipuri performative tradition and mainstream Indian tradition of performance which is guided by Natya Shastra, Syam Sharma said that those who are engaging in performing and visual arts should rediscover the strength of Manipuri culture which has its own unique features.

Commenting on how he has managed to showcase the intricacies of Manipuri culture worldwide through his works, Syam emphasised on the need to nurture young talents in the art of filmmaking.

During his speech, he also made a fine distinction between what he called 'movies' and 'cinematic arts' arguing that 'movies' have the tendency to distance itself from the finer aspects of filmmaking.

Government Consultant RK Nimai, who attended the function as the chief guest, said that Aribam Syam Sharma had made extraordinary efforts to showcase the Manipuri way of life to the world.

He appreciated the organisers for holding the five-day retrospective session pointing out that the works of Aribam Syam Sharma are worth such a deep reflection.

Natasha Elangbam, delegate and faculty member of Department of Mass Communication, Manipur University, gave a general feedback of all the delegates, students and participants.

She said that Aribam Syam Sharma's films have the strength to portray the Manipuri way of life in a truthful and subtle way without exaggeration or without being loud.

Syam Sharma and RK Nimai later distributed certificates to all the participants of the retrospective session.

Earlier in the day, an open forum was held in which all the participants expressed their deep satisfaction with the event and their experience with the world of films.

Those who led the deliberation in the open forum included National film awardees Oinam Doren and Meena Longjam and Natasha Elangbam and Dhiren Sadokpam as moderators.

It may be mentioned that the 5-day session dissected and analysed award winning and commendable works of the 'jewels of Manipuri cinema' including Saphabee (1976), Imagi Ningthem (1981), Ishanou (1990), Sanabi (1995), Ashangba Nongjabi (2003), Leipaklei (2012) etc.