'DD deprives TV Producers of Region'
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 15 2014: Non-continuation of commissioning programs by Doordarshan is a disturbing issue, says President, Television & Cine Foundation Manipur, Sunzu Bachaspatimayum.

Despite many representations sent to DDG Northeast, DG and CEO Doordarshan, Mandi House, highlighting the grievances of the private Television producers, the Prasar Bharati officials have chosen to remain mute on the issue and showed total apathy to the woos of the private producers of a region with limited corporate world.

In a statement at the General Body meeting of North East Film & Television Producers & Directors Association, held at Guwahati , the President of Television & Cine Foundation Manipur stated, " we have also heard of the good work done by our Tripura and Assam counter-parts but sadly, there has not been any concerted effort to impress the Ministry of I & B, the Doordarshan authorities and DoNER Ministry in New Delhi of how it has adversely impacted the film and television program making community in the region" .

Citing the example of Manipur, Sunzu elaborated on the plight of many Film maker who have strayed into petty trades for their survival with DD shutting off their avenues for expression.

The fact that the region lacks corporate industries and other commercial options to experiment with the creative arts of non-feature and fiction presentation, it was Doordarshan's Commissioned Programmes that provided a fertile ground for horning one's skills and became a springboard for greater endeavours in filmmaking.

With DD discontinuing commissioning of programmesto private producers, even this platform stands robbed from the region's aspiring and respected filmmakers.

"This is an issue where we, from the region, and also as a regional body, must organize ourselves and resist this adverse policy of discontinuing commissioning program to private producers in the northeast region." Sunzu also proposed that the Regional Association should take the lead in lobbying with the I & B Ministry and officials with all constituent state members joining in the campaign.

Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, a National awardee has produced and directed number of documentaries and his latest documentary for PSBT, namely 'My Pony and Me' explores the impact of prolong exposure to conflict on a traditional and multi-ethnic society.

The issue raised by Television & Cine Foundation Manipur is pertinent , looking into the economic deprivation and alienation meted out to these vibrant and talented film makers.

This may become catastrophic, looking into the conflict and rebellion going on in the region.

Frustrated populace become a prized catch for secessionist group and thereby it urgently needs an introspection from the Ministry as well as Prasar Bharati in order to culture these latent talents.

This will definitely go a long way in National integration and also in providing due platforms for expression.

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