MSFDS donates Rs 4 Lakh to support late Irom Maipak's family
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 23 2024:
The Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) has donated Rs 4,01,200 to the family of late Irom Maipak, who tragically passed away from COVID-19 on May 19, 2021 .
According to a release issued by MSFDS, Maipak, a renowned cinematographer, battled the virus for 15 days at a premier private hospital in Imphal, incurring treatment costs exceeding Rs 10 lakhs.
Acclaimed filmmaker and MSFDS executive board member, Oken Amakcham, expressed sorrow over Maipak's untimely death, noting the significant void left in the film community.
Amakcham had worked closely with Maipak on several films, including "Cheina", "Thajabagi Wangmada" and "The Theatre Incarnate", each distinguished by Maipak's exceptional camera work.
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Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, MSFDS secretary and a collaborator with Maipak on the award-winning documentary "Monpas of Arunachal Pradesh", praised Maipak's dedication to perfect framing and his uncompromising professionalism.
Laimayum Surjakanta, Chairman of Film Forum Manipur, echoed these sentiments, highlighting Maipak's commitment to quality in cinematography.
National award-winning filmmaker Haobam Ronel and artist Robin Wahengbam also paid tribute, remembering Maipak as a compassionate and humorous individual.
The family, including Maipak's wife and two teenage children, faced severe financial burdens, having taken loans for his treatment.
Although the Government provided a COVID-19 ex gratia of Rs 50,000, there were no existing schemes for further assistance.
Consequently, MSFDS organized a fundraiser, screening a Manipuri feature film to support the family.
The fundraiser featured the screening of "Ishanou", a Cannes Classic film, with the consent of its director-producer, Aribam Syam Sharma.
The screening, held on May 18, coincided with the first anniversary of the film's selection at the Cannes Classics Section at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in 2023 .
Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, along with executive board members, Oken Amakcham, Laimayum Surjakanta, Wungkathing Makang, Romi Meitei and Sonia Nepram along with Robin Wahengbam, H Maipaksana, Bobo Khuraijam, Ronel Haobam and others members of the film community handed over the financial assistance to Maipak's widow, Irom Ongbi Rita Devi, at the Monolith of Manipuri Cinema in Imphal East.
The event was attended by media and executive board members of MSFDS and members of the film community.
Oken Amakcham thanked the public for their generous support, which made the fundraiser a success.
He acknowledged the solidarity shown by people from all walks of life who purchased donor coupons priced at Rs 1,000 for executive class, Rs 500 for deluxe class, and Rs 300 for balcony seats.
The MSFDS has also extended its appreciation to all the contributors of the fundraiser for their support and generous donation.