MSFDS donates ₹4 lakh to Irom Maipak's family
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 23 2024:
Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) has provided a sum of Rs 4,01,200 to the family of late Irom Maipak, who succumbed to COVID-19 on May 19, 2021 .
Maipak, a renowned cinematographer, battled the virus for 15 days at a private hospital in imphal, incurring treatment cost exceeding Rs 10 lakh.
A statement issued by MSFDS informed that filmmaker and MSFDS executive board member Oken Amakcham expressed sorrow over Maipak's untimely death, noting the significant void left in the film community.
Oken worked closely with Maipak on several films, including "Cheina", "Thajabagi Wangmada", and "The Theatre Incarnate", each distinguished by Maipak's exceptional camera work.
MSFDS secretary Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, who was also a collaborator with Maipak on the award-winning documentary "Monpas of Arunachal Pradesh", praised Maipak's dedication to perfect framing and his uncompromising professionalism.
Film Forum Manipur chairman Laimayum Surjakanta echoed the same sentiments, highlighting Maipak's commitment to quality in cinematography.
National award-winning filmmaker Haobam Ronel and artist Robin Wahengbam also paid tribute, remembering Maipak as a compassionate and humorous individual.
The family, including Maipak's wife and two teenage children, faced severe financial burdens, having taken loans for his treatment.
Although the government provided a COVID-19 ex-gratia of Rs 50,000, there were no existing schemes for further assistance.
Consequently, MSFDS organised a fundraiser by screening a Manipuri feature film to support the family.
The fundraiser featured the screening of "Ishanou," a Cannes Classic film, with the consent of its director-producer Aribam Syam Sharma.
The screening, held on May 18, coincided with the first anniversary of the film's selection at the Cannes Classics Section at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in 2023 .
The event also honoured the cast, crew, and restoration team of "Ishanou", with additional chief secretary MH Khan and art & culture commissioner Mongjam Joy as chief guest and president respectively.
Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, along with executive board members, Oken Amakcham, Laimayum Surjakanta, Wungkathing Makang, Romi Meitei, Sonia Nepram, Robin Wahengbam, H Maipaksana, Bobo Khuraijam, Ronel Haobam, and other members of the film community, handed over the financial assistance to Maipak's widow, Irom Rita Devi, at the Monolith of Manipuri Cinema in Imphal East.
The event was attended by media and executive board members of MSFDS and members of the film community.
Oken Amakcham thanked the public for their generous support, which made the fundraiser a success.
He acknowledged the solidarity shown by people from all walks of life who purchased donor coupons priced Rs 1,000 for executive class, Rs 500 for deluxe class, and Rs 300 for balcony seats.
He also attributed the success to the blessings of the spirits of Manipuri Cinema pioneers believed to be residing at the Monolith.
The MSFDS statement particularly appreciated the support and generous donations from titular king and Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, minister Heikham Dingo, MLA RK Imo, chief secretary's office staff Chingangbam Sanajaoba & RK Binaton, social welfare director N Uttam, tourism director W Ibohal, art & culture commissioner M Joy, art & culture director K Dinamani, IAS officer Ranjan Yumnam, MPS officer Victoria Yengkhom, deputy secretary of art & culture Sunanda Thokchom, INA Moirang curator Dr Laishram Sadhana, art & culture deputy director (programme) G Dharmadas, MSFTI staff, entrepreneurs Oinam Radhesyam, Bobo Khuraijam, Imphal Art Gallery founder Robin Wahengbam, and others for their generous support.