Manipuri cinema regressing: Kh Biswamitra
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 02 2022: Celluloid film gave birth to Manipur with the release of 'Matamgi Manipur' on April 9, 1972 but a big question has arisen now on the fate of Manipuri film as the journey of Manipuri film has moved backward after completion of 50 years of its existence.

While talking to The People's Chronicle exclusively, noted film director Khwairakpam Biswamitra compared the present stage of Manipuri film to pacifying angry children with toffies and stressed the need for reviewing the state cine policy to put it at par with such policies implemented in other states.

Viewing the present stage of Manipuri film at two levels, Biswamitra said that the level of film makers who identify Manipuri films at national and international stages have improved significantly but film makers who target local audience have reached an alarming level and even fear of extinction.

The number of gifted and talented film makers who make serious feature and non-feature films from their pocket or with fund from various agencies is very few in Manipur and their films rarely reach the local market.

Their films are made for national and international film festivals as they have enormous talents but how much revenue they collect from international film mar ket could not be ascertained though it is certain that their films are successful, he said, and thanked the talented film makers.

Contrary to miniscule talented film makers, it would not be wrong to say that film makers targeting the local market are on the verge of extinction, Biswamitra said, adding that he himself is facing this situation despite having directed 54 films.

This level of film makers made films out of fondness in their chosen profession field but their films have no place to show to audience and compelled to sell disc on footpath.

They know everything about quality, good camera, editor and sound effect but have no means and no one to look after.

Though art and culture identify Manipur to the world, it is sure to break family if films are made by mortgaging family's all available assets, Biswamitra said.

When asked about means to resolve problems being faced by film makers targeting local audience, Biswamitra said that he does not see any future and smooth forward journey for Manipuri film with the inept cine policy and non-functional state film institute.

The fate of Manipuri cinema still lies in the hands of minor art and culture de partment and there is no budget for making quality film, he pointed out, while adding that it will be wrong to blame the department or Manipur State Film Development Society.

According to Biswamitra, the state needs to enact a cine policy at par with other states after reviewing existing State Cine Policy with serious consultation among film makers, government, film critics and senior citizens and promotion of film industry in the state would require special package from the Government of India.

When asked if the dream of having film industry in Manipur would be realised, Biswamitra replied in the affirmative and said that everything is possible with serious and collective efforts while pointing out that the government of India had recently declared film making as an industry.

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