Foundation stone serves as monument of shattered dreams for tribal filmmakers
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, September 06 2026: The foundation stone laid years ago for the construction of the Centre for Culture & Moving Images Cultural & Heritage Complex at Rakharan, Ringui village for tribal film development has become a tall monument of shattered dreams fortribal filmmakers and artists of hill areas of Manipur.

The long-cherished dream of tribal artists for tribal film development has left them in despair and hopelessness owing to the long delay in construction work.

According to Wungmathem A Shimray, Headman of Ringui village, the village donated 14 acres of land for establishment of the Centre for Culture & Moving Images Cultural & Heritage Complex at Rakharan, Ringui.

He mentioned that the foundation stone was laid by the then Minister of Art and Culture, L Jayantakumar Singh on February 4, 2020 in the presence of local MLA Khashim Vashum.

He maintained that there has been no major development except for the construction of a compound wall which has been reportedly done at the cost of Rs 5 lakh.

Renowned Tangkhul filmmaker Wungkathing Makang of Ringui village said tribal filmmakers and artistes had initially been delighted by the proposed project and have been eagerly waiting for the completion of the complex for boosting tribal film however the lackadaisical attitude of the State Government towards the project has shattered the hopes and aspirations of the tribal artistes.

"Seeing only the erected foundation stone has made us lose hope of promoting future tribal films", Wungkathing said.

He went on to state that the village began producing films from 1990 and has produced more than 100 local films.

He highlighted that more than 100 Tangkhul people from the village have been working in the film industry, while Ringui alone has produced around 60-70 Tangkhul films.

Wungkathing further said that his production house, M-Series, has produced more than 40 Tangkhul films.

He recalled that the proposed Centre for Culture & Moving Images Cultural & Heritage Complex was initially estimated to cost around Rs.63 crore.

However, with more than six years having passed since the foundation stone was laid, he said the estimated cost would now need to be revised to Rs 139 crore to raise to world class standard.

Meanwhile, actor Chihanching Zimik of Ringui village expressed optimism about the project despite the prolonged delay.

"I still remain positive about the establishment of the Centre for Culture & Moving Images Cultural & Heritage Complex in the village.

The yearning of tribal artists will surely be achieved one day for the development of the film industry among the hill people of Manipur", he said.

The tribal artists and filmmakers have urged the State Government to expedite the construction of the proposed complex without further delay for promoting tribal film making.

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