Manipur films should be inclusuve : Syam
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 09 2023: Manipur State Film Development Society in association with Film Forum Manipur celebrated 16th Mami Numit and SN Chand Cine Archive & Museum's 3rd foundation day today.

As a part of the celebration, a seminar on "Film Archive and Museum" was also organised at the venue at MSFDS' auditorium at Palace Compound.

Art and Culture Commissioner M Joy Singh, renowned film maker Aribam Syam Sharma and chairman of Film Forum Manipur Laimayum Surjakanta attended the event as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.

Speaking at the event, Aribam Syam Sharma said Manipur film festival should be inclusive and it should not be seen only as a festival of Meiteilon films.

In a small State like Manipur where there are many different communities, language shouldn't be a barrier that divides them in film society, he said.

Explaining, he said "Emagi Ningthem", which got international recognition winning best film award was looked down upon by the jury in India as a non-scheduled language film.

He said film festival organisers should not conduct the festival for Meitei language films only.

The festival should give equal platform to all films to compete and it should select the best among them.

Films of all dialects must be supported and promoted.

If a film of a dialect is found to be best, the best film award may be given to it, he said, hinting that films of other dialects should not compete in a separate category.

Kerala, which occupies the top place among the Indian film society, thinks film is their culture.

Likewise, Manipur should treat film as a culture and work sincerely to develop it further, he said, adding he did not make films to earn money but to promote films.

He also encouraged budding and present day film-makers to bring more laurels for the State and outshine the pioneers in the field.

Sharma stressed that competition must be healthy and Manipuri films should compete against films from outside too.

Manipur now has many renowned and promising directors and actors.

Instead of trying to entertain only, they should focus on becoming true artists, he added.

"Manipur has the potential.

It has rich art and culture.

It has Rasleela, Kala Sankirtana gifted by our forefathers.

We all should promote these culture and values.

We will not succeed without hard work and dedication," he said.

M Joy said 1972 was a remarkable milestone for Manipur.

The State attained the status of a full fledged State and the first Manipuri feature film Matamgi Manipur was also released in the year.

He continued that Manipuri cineman's second generation started in the 1990s with many many film-makers beginning to produce "video film".

Today's generation is the third where digitisation and digital videography are used to make films employing a vast array of technology.

In the long journey of 50-51 years, numerous Manipuri films have been produced and of them, 39 have won National awards and recognition.

Despite the number of films produced and awards won, Manipuri film industry seems to be somewhat lagging behind.

Film-makers and enthusiasts should strive for quality and produce films that may gain National and international audience, he said, adding film makers also need to adapt to the changing trend to keep up with the rest of world cinema.

M Joy also noted that films influence people and shape their ideas.

He said directors, producers and the actors should try their best to make quality films that may bring positive changes in the society.

He also acknowledged and appreciated Aribam Shyam Sharma and said the film maker is one of the pioneers of Manipuri cinema and a rare gem of the State in the field of cinema, art and culture.

The gathering paid floral tributes to late pioneers and members of the film fraternity.

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