Cine Off Day celebrated in Imphal, stakeholders discuss film development
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 09 2026: All Manipur Cinematographer Association (AMCA) under the aegis of Film Forum Manipur observed Cine Off Day today at BB Films Auditorium, Kwakeithel Thokchom Leikai.

Film Forum Manipur vice chairman-2 Kshetrimayum Kishorekumar attended as chief guest, AMCA president L Radhamohon Sharma as president, and former Director of Manipur State Film & Television Institute Birendra Salam as guest of honour.

The programme began with a welcome address by Film Forum Manipur interim chairman BB Surjit.

It was followed by.

a discussion on the topic "Collaboration between Directors and Cinematographers".

Speakers included Naba Volcano, president of All Manipur Matam Eshei Kanglup (AMMIK); filmmaker Romi Meitei; Kangla Prem, secretary of All Manipur Film Makers & Producer Association (AMFIMPA); Binoranjan Oinam, secretary of Cine Writers & Playwright Forum Manipur (CWPFM); Ojitbabu Ningthoujam, secretary of Cine Directors Guild Manipur; and Yoimayai Mongsaba, treasurer of Editor's Guild, among other prominent personalities.

At the event, Kshetrimayum Kishorekumar said that making a good film requires strong collaboration between the director and cinematographer.

"The director's vision is realized through the camera.

If communication between the director and cinematographer is weak, the film will suffer.

Actors, directors and all crew members must maintain teamwork at all times", he said.

Delivering the keynote address, AMCA advisor Ng Ghanashyam said Film Forum Manipur, with its 12 constituent guilds and associations, has been observing Cine Off Day on the 9th of every month to commemorate April 9, 1972 as Manipuri Film Day.

On Cine Off Day, shooting and production work are halted to hold discussions for the development of cinema.

Birendra Salam urged the State Government to earmark Rs 50 lakh annually in the Art and Culture Department budget for Film Forum Manipur.

He said such support would enable the body and its constituent associations to conduct workshops, seminars, masterclasses and other development programmes regularly.

L Radhamohon Sharma said academic discussions during Cine Off Day will benefit new cinematographers and directors and contribute to the growth of Manipuri films.

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