Imphal, April 09 2010: The top priority of his job as a Commissioner of Art and Culture will be developement of Kangla, asserted RK Nimai, Commissioner, Art and Culture, Government of Manipur.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a glittering function held at Hotel Imphal today to observe the Mami Numit-2010 .

The function was jointly organised by Manipur Film Development Corporation (MFDC) and Film Forum, Manipur (FFM).

The Day was observed to commemorate the first time screening of Manipuri Film Matamgi Manipur on April 9 of 1972 at Usha Hall and Pratap Talkies in Imphal and Azad Hall at Kakching.

This day has been observed as Mami Numit by the MFDC and the FFM since 2007 .

Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner of Art and Culture, RK Nimai opined that development of the sacred place of Manipur, Kangla, being revered by all, is of paramount importance.

Touching upon Manipuri films, the Commissioner said that steps would be taken to organise a Manipuri film festival where there would be no difference between digital and celluloid films.

Competition among the films would certainly help in producing quality films.

One should not take lightly the Manipuri film industry which is providing employment to nearly 5,000 people.

When the Manipuri film industry declines, those people who are earning their livelihood from this industry would face a lot of hardships, RK Nimai pointed out.

The renowned film maker, Aribam Shyam Sharma, who was the special guest on the occasion, said that it would be difficult to make good films without proper training.

If the new generation of film-makers learns properly, it would be possible to make good films in Manipur.

There are plenty of materials required to make good quality films in Manipur, Shyam Sharma said.

The Best Film Journalist Award 2009 was given to Meghachandra Kongbam on the occasion.

Those who have received national and international awards were also honoured at the function.

President of Film Forum, Manipur, W Lalitkumar presided over the function.

Managing Director of MFDC, Dr K Sobita attended the function as a special guest.

A non feature film entitled He Lamyanba, based on the life of Karam Manimohon, who produced Matamgi Manipur, was also released in connection with the occasion.

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