Kolkata, January 17: Films, even though it made a late entry, in fact as late as 1972, in the artistic scene of Manipur, it has left its mark in the world of cinema as a work of art from a land, a people with an innate sense of artistic expressions of quality which will endure the onslaught of time.

As with other art forms and performing arts coming out from Manipur, films have also contributed a lot in introducing and generating interest in Manipur, its arts, culture and history.

In recognition of this fact, films have been accorded a place of pride in the on going Festival of Manipur 2003, here in Kolkata.

As I write this, one film festival, which began from the 11th to the 15th of this month, is already over.

This particular festival was inaugurated by Mrinal Sen, one of the leading exponents of this art form in the country, and was greatly appreciated by the people of Kolkata, a people well initiated in the art of viewing good.

On the third day (16th of Jan) of the Festival of Manipur 2003 in Kolkata, Films from Manipur made its entry at the main Venue - the Swabhumi Complex, with the screening of Shyam Sharms's 'Orchids of Manipur'.

Lt Gen JS Verma formally inaugurated this particular segment of the Festival, 'Documentary Films from Manipur'.

Gen Verma, was much appreciative of the concept of holding such a festival in Kolkata, he felt such festival will go along way in bringing about peace and harmony and encourage people to relinquish the path of violence.

Later in the day, there was yet again a variety cultural programme in the main auditorium - Rang Manch of Swabhumi.

The 'Rhythms of Manipur' an ensemble of western instruments like the violin, and guitars, Indian musical like the Santoor and purely indigenous instruments like the pung, entertained the gathering with three compositions.

This was followed by a Pena recital from Oja Mangi and party - the Laihiu.

The evening's programme also featured Loitam Ibetombi's Nupi Holipala.

The acrobatic drumming of the drum player drew thunderous applause from the crowd.

Wainu Pareng, a ballet produced by the Ballet Unit of the Jawaharlal Nehru Dance Academy was the last offering of the day.

The Ballet a poignant depiction of the plight of the 'wainus' or the cranes due to the callous and vengeful nature of we humans.

Many of the performances of the previous days were invited by the Bidhan Nagar Mela 2003 to perform there.

These included the Holi Nupippala and the pung chollom.

The curious and interested audience included the former West Bengal Chief Minister, Jyoti Basu.

An atmosphere of calm serenity and sacredness permeated the Rang Manch at Swabhumi, the main venue of the festival.

For here, was performed the Maharas, with a Nat Sankirtan as a prelude to it as is customary.

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