Meghachandra Kongbam's 'Manipuri Cinema' released
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, April 03 2022: Legendary theatre director and writer Ratan Thiyam released a book titled 'Manipuri Cinema' during a function at the auditorium of JN Manipur Dance Academy, here, on Sunday.

The book has been authored by Meghachandra Kongbam, former director, Information & Public Relations, Manipur and member of International Federation of Film Critics, Indian Chapter (FIPRESCI-India) .

The book release coincided with the celebration of 50 years of Manipuri Cinema.

Addressing the gathering, Ratan Thiyam, who attended as chief guest, said that the most important part of Manipuri Cinema is its aesthetic value as he stressed on the need for consideration of the various aspects of our society while making commercial films.

He further said that children's films are lacking in the state and drew the attention of the filmmakers to focus on making films which can be beneficial to the children.

He then appealed to the filmmakers and producers of this generation to make films which reflect social values.

In his speech as president of the function, M Joy, Commissioner IPR and Art & Culture, called upon the filmmakers to focus on making him which connects the generations and called for support by all in producing films which have social values.

Professor MC Arun, Department of Anthropology, Manipur University, reviewed the book before releasing.

In his review, he said that the book throws light on the environment of cinema before the actual birth of Manipuri Cinema, the works of the pioneers of Manipuri Cinema, the life and works of the second generation filmmakers and producers, the digital era of Manipuri Cinema and the issues of Manipuri Cinema.

He added that a creative outburst is needed at this hour for continuation of our creativity in the field of art and culture which is unique from others.

Meghachandra Kongbam, the author, highlighting his journey in the field of art and culture as a critic of films, said that he continuously contributed articles on films from various parts of the country.

After taking break for a year, he started concentrating on writing the book as a contribution of his knowledge about the various aspects of Manipuri Cinema, the author said while urging the readers to share positive suggestions, criticisms, etc., for further improvement pf his book.

It may be mentioned that Meghachandra Kongbam of Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal, received Swarna Kamal for the Best Film Critic in the National Film Awards in 2015.He is a member of Film Critics Circle of India and currently the president of Film Society of Manipur, the third oldest film society in Northeast India.

Meghachandra is also the founder of Cine Artistes and Technician Association, Manipur.

He is a regular article contributor of many cinema books published by the Federation of Film Societies of India and FIPRESCI India and others edited by film scholars.

The book release function was attended by many renowned filmmakers, writers, critics, artistes, cine lovers and others working in the field of Manipuri Cinema.

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