Imphal, September 20, 2010: Manipur chief Minister Okram Ibobi today handed over the Lifetime Achievement Award to eminent film maker Aribam Shyam Sharma at the concluding ceremony of the Manipur State Film Festival held at the auditorium of Manipur Film Development Corporation (MFDC).

The award includes a sum of '1 lakh and a citation, and is sponsored by MFDC.

Shyam Sharma was selected to be given the award in recognition of his invaluable contributions towards promotion of Manipuri film.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister O Ibobi announced that the government was preparing to formulate a State Film Policy of which objectives would be mainly to promote film industry in Manipur and also to develop tourist spots.

He expressed happiness that though Manipur is a small state, abundant talented artistes were coming forward in the field of films.

It is fortunate for Manipur that there are so many talented artistes who can compete not only in national level but also in international level.

The government was taking all possible steps to help the professionals connected with Manipuri films, he said.

He further said that since the MFDC is not in a position to stand on its own, the state government has been giving financial support to it.

He called upon the film fraternity to make a concerted effort to identify Manipur before the world in the field of films.

He appealed to the organisers of the State Film Festival to make ways for other tribal dialect films also to take part in the festival.

The government is also considering giving various awards.

The Chief Minister expressed his appreciation for the Governor's announcement on the opening day of the festival that Governor's Best Film Award would be presented from next year onward.

The Cheif Minister said that it is a matter of pride for the people of Manipur that a documentary film titled "Mr India" of Haobam Paban Kumar would be given the best social issue film award.

Chief Minister Ibobi also expressed jubilation over MC Mary Kom's winning the World Women Boxing Championship for the fifth time consecutively.

The government would give her a cash award of ` 10 lakh to honour her determination and courage.

The award winner, Aribam Shyam Sharma, who was one of the jury of the 7th Manipur State Film Festival-2010, said that though a trend of video films has ushered in the state, there are quite a few films apparently made in a hurry, which make the audience feel uncomfortable and appealed to all concerned to be more careful while making films in future.

Commissioner, Art & Culture, RK Nimai, IAS, who presided over the function, said that everyone should join hands to develop Manipur film industry.

Comment