'Films projecting Manipuri culture drawing global attention'
Source: The Sangai Express
Panaji, November 25 2022:
Films projecting Manipuri culture and way of life have always drawn global attention and this has not changed throughout the 50 years long journey of Manipuri Cinema.
Secretary of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Sunzu Bachaspatimayum said this during a press conference yesterday with Manipur delegates attending the ongoing 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
He pointed out that internationally acclaimed Manipuri films such as 'Imagi Ningthem', 'Ishanou', 'Loktak Lairembi' or 'Look at the Sky' are projections of Manipuri society, culture and way of life.
The MSFDS secretary expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, National Film Development Corporation and IFFI for duly recognising and honouring the 50 years old Manipuri Cinema by giving a special section in the 53rd IFFI.
He noted that Manipur is celebrating a year-long golden jubilee of its cinema since April 9, 2021 and the Ministry, Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, have financially supported and assisted in the celebration.
Throwing light on the history of Manipuri Cinema, Sunzu said that Manipur had attempted its first feature as early as 1948 in Hindi language considering the commercial aspect.
The attempt failed and over 20 years later in 1971, SN Chand took the bold step to make the first Manipuri feature film.
However, another film titled 'Matamgi Manipur', which was produced by a businessman named Karam Manimohan and directed by Bengali filmmaker Debkumar Bose was released in 1972 ahead of 'Brojendragee Luhongba', the film by SN Chand.
SN Chand's 'Brojendragee Luhongba' was released in 1973 some months after 'Matamgi Manipur'.
However, SN Chand is now remembered as the father of Manipuri Cinema as he was the first Manipuri film director.
Taking part in the press conference, Film Facilitation Officer (Eastern Region) of NFDC, Alexander Leo Pou stated, "Our films is the window to our culture, politics, economy and exotic way of life" .
He also exuded confidence that writers, producers, directors and those associated with filmmaking of the sensitive State of Manipur will continue to make films that speak beyond the frame.
Chairman of Film Forum Manipur, Laimayum Surjakanta; renowned Manipuri actor, Kangabam Tomba; renowned filmmaker Oken Amakcham; Director of 'Look at The Sky', Ashok Veilou; grandson of first Manipuri film director, SN Chand, Sapam Rajiv were also present during the interaction with the media.
Meanwhile, SN Chand's 'Brojendragee Luhongba' and non-feature film 'The Silent Poet' directed by Borun Thokchom were screened at the festival today.