Renovated Usha Cinema Hall opened CM expounds on importance of films
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 01 2016: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has said that films contribute a lot in preserving the culture and tradition of Manipur and promoting it to the world.

He was speaking at the re-opening ceremony of Usha Cinema as the chief guest at Paona bazar here today.

Manipur University of Culture had been set up to study and research the life of Manipuri people and their culture, he added.

Stressing on the need to dub Manipuri movies into other widely spoken languages like South Indian films for its promotion, the Chief Minister said that planning for formulation of a State film policy is a positive development.

Stating that films take a significant role in social reformation, O Ibobi said that Manipuri films would see advancement if the film fraternity works with a firm will and determination.

CM inaugurating Usha Hall

He also said that the newly inaugurated Manipur State Film and Television Institute would go a long way in the development of Manipuri cinema.

Mentioning the importance of cinema halls in the development and promotion of Manipuri films he expressed concern over the dwindling number of cinema halls in the State.

Speaking as the guest of honour, Film Critic (National Awardee) and DIPR Director Meghachandra Kongbam lamented on the sorry state of cinema halls in Manipur.

He said that earlier there were around 58 cinema halls in the State out of which 10 halls were in Imphal but now only 10 cinema halls are running in the entire State.

He also mentioned that according to UNESCO for every population of 10 thousand there must be a cinema hall and as such about 150 cinema halls must be there in Manipur.

As an audio-visual medium cinema can be a good medium for exchange of culture among countries in the world which will foster closer ties and bring peace in the world, he observed.

Film Forum Manipur Chairman L Surjakanta Sharma graced the function as the president.

Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Thokchom Lokeshwar, Ministers Govindas Konthouhjam and Ksh Biren also attended the function.

It may be mentioned that Usha Cinema was inaugurated in 1961 and started screening films from 1970s.It completely stopped screening films in November 2015 .

The renovated hall having a new sound system and other equipment is likely to screen films for the public from September 6 .