24 acres set aside for setting up Film Institute, many welcome positive development
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 23 2018: Intense steps of establishing a Film Institute are presently underway, which will cover 19.89 acres land of Chingkhu under Imphal East district and 4.55 acres of land in Khundrakpam.

Regarding the progress of the institute, the PWD is also preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) regarding the construction works.

According to information received by The Sangai Express from an officials source of the Art and Culture Department, a Manipur State Film and Television Institute has been set up inside the MFDC complex at Konung Mamang.

However, due to insufficient rooms to keep the required items and equipment related to film/film making, the film institute will be set up in a more than 24 acres land as the project has been in the Government's pipeline project.

The source further stated that the land survey began in 2017.Nilotpal Mazumdar of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata is the director at the Manipur State Film and Television Institute at Palace Gate, which handles any film making or related works.

It further maintained that a total of 12 students are presently enrolled at the institute however, the required number of teachers are yet to be appointed.

Course on documentary film making will be added at the new institute and necessary faculty and facilities like screening rooms, practical room, studios etc.

will also be provided at the new institute, the source added.

In order to begin the construction, the PWD is also preparing the DPR, it said.

Meanwhile, Speaking to The Sangai Express, eminent filmmaker Padmashree Aribam Shyam Sharma stated that the Film and Television Institute in Pune and the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute Kolkata were set up under the Central Government.

Similar institutes were set up in the State as Manipur State Film and television Institute and at Guwahati as Bhupen Hazarika Television and Film Institute.

The initiative of the State Govt to establish a Film Institute is commendable, Aribam Shyam Sharma added.

Many eminent filmmakers and directors make a great deal of films and work at big film studios with varieties of facilities which enable them to create quality films.

Shyam further stated that there are a number of youths or people who aspire and love to work in the field of film making, however, they face many inconveniences owing to absence of proper institutes and courses.

He asserted that proper training and knowledge of film making is important if one desires to pursue the field professionally.

Establishment of a film institute would mean production of good and quality films and the film lovers in the State will be able to showcase their work in the international arena, he added.

Shyam Sharma also added that the art of film making will be well organised only if all necessary equipments, softwares and items are made available to the aspiring film makers.

Another benefit of setting up the institute will be archiving as a proper institute will surely provide proper archive system which will greatly benefit in storing and recording the old age celluloid films, digital films etc, he said while adding that it would be a good step on the part of the Govt if small yet necessary rooms like make up/changing rooms etc are also included in the institute.

Aribam Shyam Sharma said that almost 50 per cent of digital film makers are good and talented while expressing hope that the number will double if new opportunities and facilities are delivered to them under the film institute.

On the other hand, Chairman of Film Forum Samjetsabam Mangoljao while speaking to The Sangai Express said that establishment of a film institute is the need of the hour.

The emerging and talented artist should be encouraged and motivated, he said while adding that they would be able to produce great films if proper knowledge and trainings are imparted to them.

Govt also play a crucial role in letting these emerging artists and youths reach the international stage, he added.

Film Forum Manipur along with the artists urged the Govt to form a film policy and in 2017 the policy was formed and has since been recognised as an Act.

Unfortunately, the Act has not proved beneficial as it has not been implemented till date, Mangoljao claimed.

Art and Culture Minister, L Jayantakumar had earlier assured to implement the Manipur Film policy during the State Assembly.

Earlier, the State Govt sanctioned a sum of Rs 1 lakh during the time when celluloid films were produced but now a film lover has to produce Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh in order produce a digital film.

The artists and film lovers are missing out many opportunities given to them under the mentioned Act, he claimed.

However, the initiative of the State Govt to set up a Film Institute is welcoming, Mangoljao added.

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