Cinematographer Irom Maipak condoled
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 20 2021: Many condoled the sudden demise of cinematographer Irom Maipak Singh today.

Irom Maipak, Manipur's only national award-winning cinematographer, succumbed to post-covid complication at the early hours of May 20 after battling the virus at Raj Medicity since May 4, 2021 .

A resident of Sagolband Salam Leikai, Maipak is survived by his wife and two kids, a girl (14) and a boy (11) .

With this fatality, the film fraternity of Manipur has lost four of its personalities to the ongoing pandemic, the other three victims being Moirangthem Kamaljett Singh, a.k.a Em Kay Jeet, director-producer-lyricist, Sagolsem Romio Meitei, a rising actor from Kairembikhok, Wangjing, Hem Athokpam, cinematographer-editor, said a condolence message by Manipur State Film Development Society.

In a spontaneous, virtual condolence assembly, members of MSFDS's Executive Board and the Celebration Committee of the Golden Jubilee of Manipuri Cinema expressed shock on the sudden passing of Irom Maipak, who was also an important employee of MSFDS as a cameraman.

Art & Culture Commission, M Joy Singh shared his profound sorrow and said the void created by Maipak's demise would be hard to fill up for MSFDS as well as for the entire film fraternity of Manipur.

Ng Uttam Singh, director, Art & Culture while sharing his grief praised Maipak for his incredible cinematography that distinguished him as cinematographer par excellence.

Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, MSFDS Secretary, who had worked with Maipak on 'Monpas of Arunachal Pradesh', the ethnographic documentary for which Maipak was adjudged the Best Cinematographer (documentary) at the 49th National Film Awards, 2002 said Maipak is known for his uncompromising framing even in difficult and uncontrolled situations.

Sunzu recalled that Maipak would not take a shot until the framing was perfect, a quality of a professional to the bone.

Acclaimed filmmaker, Oken Amakcham lamented Maipak's passing.

He said it would be difficult to find a replacement for Maipak.

Oken had collaborated with Maipak on his films namely, "Cheina","Thajabagi Wangmada", "NangtanaHelli", "Tellanga Mamei","Amamba Lambi", "Ratan Thiyam - The Man of Theatre" and "The Theatre Incarnate" .

Many of these films were distinct by lucid camera works.

Film Forum Manipur said in a condolence message that Irom Maipak was a distinguished cinematographer who contributed much to Manipuri cinema during his lifetime.

Ipak Films Production Manipur also held a condolence meeting virtually to condole the sudden demise of Irom Maipak Singh.

The condolence meeting held through video conferencing was attended by Nongmaithem Noren Singh, president, Ipak Films and Rakesh Naorem, secretary, Ipak Films amongst other.

A two minute silence was observed for the departed soul of Irom Maipak to rest in peace.

Late Irom Maipak was a very energetic and hard working individual who dedicated his life to upliftment of Manipuri cinema and was always in the forefront in any work taken up by Film Forum Manipur, MSFDS and other film related organisation, said Rakesh Naorem at the condolence meeting.

Television and Cine Foundation, Manipur also condoled the untimely demise of Irom Maipak.

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