Governor vows support for growth of Manipuri Cinema
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 09 2022: The prestigious 14th Manipur State Film Awards, 2022 were distributed on Saturday at Palace Auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) .

The award for the best feature film was won by 'Eikhoigi Yum' directed by Romi Meitei and produced by Chingshubam Sheetal.

Best direction award was handed over to Bobby Haobam for the film 'Rongdaife' .

In the non-feature section, the best film was bagged by 'Ayekpasinggi Pukkei' directed by Debendra Thiyam and produced by Brojeshwori Maibam.

The film also won the awards for best film of a debut director, best audiographer, best music direction and best voice over or narration.

'Pabung Syam' directed by Haobam Paban Kumar and produced by Films Division, won the best biographical film.

The film also won the award for best director.

The best social issue for non-feature film was bagged by 'Beyond Blast', a film by Saikhom Ratan, on a budding artiste whose legs were amputated because of bomb blast.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Governor La Ganesan opined that much of the nation's history is being imparted through movies.

The Governor, while noting that cinema is a powerful medium, exhorted the state's filmmakers to produce films that showcase the diverse and rich culture of Manipur.

He also vowed to extend all possible support to facilitate growth of Manipuri Cinema and exuded confidence that efforts of MSFDS will elevate the status of Manipuri Cinema and encourage the state's budding filmmakers, technicians and enthusiasts.

Water Resources and Relief and Disaster Management minister Awangbow Newmai in his presidential address stated that one has something to learn from every film.

Meanwhile, Lifetime Achievement Award winner, renowned filmmaker L Banka Sharma expressed gratitude on being honoured with the prestigious award.

He confided that he had always longed for the award.

Earlier during the observance of 'Mami Numit', the birth of Manipuri Cinema, Manipur's legendary filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma fumed over remark by few personalities that Manipuri Cinema will evanesce considering its present state of affairs.

The internationally acclaimed filmmaker expressed desire for the younger generations to strive harder, seek advice from the seasoned artistes and get professionally trained to foster growth of Manipuri Cinema.

He further pointed out that there are negligible technological disadvantages in the present day.

Besides, Manipur has a rich culture, he said and refuted the idea that Manipuri Cinema will fade away.

Syam Sharma maintained out that Manipuri art and culture are neither dead nor in danger, while adding that Manipuri cinema and theatre are part of our culture.

He continued that despite being a small state, Manipur has its own cultural identity and heritage, which cannot be lost or made to disappear.

He then said that his films all embody the culture of Manipur and as such are famous all over the world for this unique quality.

While expressing dismay over the non-functioning of the state's film institute and the sad condition of Manipur Culture University, Syam drew the attention of the government and the authority concerned to look into the matter and take up necessary action on the matter.

In his speech, Art & Culture commissioner M Joy stressed the need for all concerned to take up the responsibility of preserving the cultural heritage of Manipur.

He then urged all to attend the next observance of Mami Numit without fail, thereby helping it to become a mega event.

The observance was also attended by film critic K Meghachandra, Film Forum Manipur president S Mangoljao and renowned film artistes, directors and producers.

The attendees paid floral tributes to departed pioneers of Manipuri Cinema at the Ningshing Nungbi, a monolith erected inside the MSFDS complex.

The awards distribution ceremony of the 14th Manipur State Film Awards, 2022 amid its ambience of jubilation and cheers, witnessed a turning point as a third gender actor was honoured with best actor award in a first in Manipur.

Even as third gender persons have long been associated with Manipuri Cinema when it comes to make-up and costumes, the award distribution ceremony gave a reason for everyone to celebrate as Bishesh Huirem strode on the MSFDS Palace Auditorium stage in the spotlight to receive the award from Manipur Governor La Ganesan during the ceremony here on Saturday.

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