Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 16:
Issuing a fervent appeal to all concerned to help in survival of Manipuri film industry which is providing source of livelihood to around 15,000 people and withdraw unbearable monetary demand, a Wakat Meepham was staged at Krishna Premi Oil Pump, Moirangkhom today.
Attended by a large number of film producers, directors, actors, actresses, manager of cinema houses, employees, camera men and other technicians, the protest demonstration started from 9.30 am and continued till 4 pm.
Placards with slogans like 'Help in survival of the dying Manipuri film industry', 'Don't threaten film-makers' 'Withdraw monetary demand', 'Understand the role of Manipuri film in introducing Manipuri society to the world', etc were seen being used during the demonstration organised by the Working Committee l for Agitation Against Demand on Film Circle under the aegis of Film Forum, Manipur.
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Talking to media-persons, general secretary of Cine Artistes and Technician Association, Manipur Oken Amakcham observed that Manipuri film industry would not be able to survive without the support and co-operation of the people.
Starting from 1972, Manipuri film industry has seen its ups and downs and till 2008, 64 celluloid films and more 300 digital films have been produced providing source of livelihood to around 15,000 people.
One of the employees in a cinema hall, said that after the forced closure of the cinema houses, the worse sufferers are the employees of the cinema houses who are earning their daily income to run the family.
As for that matter, employees have been facing lot of hardships even during the days of celluloid cinema, the employee said, adding that after screening of films in cinema halls have been stopped, the employees are having a hard time to ensure two square meals a day to their family members.
A manager of the cinema hall pointed out that after the banning of Hindi films; cinema halls in the State have been screening Manipuri digital films to provide entertainment to the people.
"No one should interfere in this art form which is closely related to the lifestyle of the people and none of the person associated with the film industries should not be subjected to any threat.
The protestors said that they would intensify the agitation even the monetary demand is not withdrawn.