CM inaugurates Golden Jubilee celebration of Manipuri Cinema CMAT distributed to deserving artistes

IMPHAL, Apr 9 (DIPR)
 Chief Minister N Biren Singh inaugurated the year long Golden Jubilee Celebration of Manipur Cinema at the Palace Auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Imphal today. The function was organized by the Manipur State Film Development Society. The Chief Minister also unveiled a monolith of Manipuri Cinema and inaugurated SN Chand Cine Archive and Museum at the campus of the MSFDS.
Addressing the gathering, N Biren stated that the Government has taken up steps for the welfare and development of Manipuri Cinema by introducing Manipur State Cine Policy, 2020 and setting up a Commission. To provide benefits to artistes who bring laurels to the State and encourage them for future development, the Government had also introduced the Chief Ministergi Artistessing gi Tengbang (CMAT) providing financial assistance to talented artistes, he added. He further stated that an Artistes Pension scheme under CMAT has also been introduced to make easier the life of aged and reputed artistes who have contributed in making the tradition, culture and art forms of Manipur more vibrant.
Recalling the contributions of pioneers of Manipuri Cinema who had made tireless efforts to lift Manipuri films to greater heights, he stressed that cinema has a big role in shaping a society. The State, despite little resources, has travelled a long journey in film making and is now celebrating its Golden Jubilee. The opening of the Cine Archive and Museum would be very useful for the students and younger generations in the field of film making, he said.
Stating that the State has many talented youths in every field, N Biren stressed on the need to unite and work together to bring about a better Manipur. He also informed that his Government is ready to render necessary support and assistance to those who are sincerely working for the development of the State.
Delivering his presidential speech, Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar Singh said that celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Manipuri Cinema was a proud moment for the people of the State. He added that the pioneers of Manipuri Cinema had contributed much to promote the State’s culture and art forms in their films without the motive of money making. He also appealed to the present day filmmakers to produce good films and make Manipuri cinema shine.
During the programme, a short video on Glimpses of Manipur Cinema was also screened. Apart from felicitating veteran filmmakers, pioneers of Manipuri Cinema and artistes, Chief Minister N Biren Singh also distributed pension and financial assistance to beneficiaries of CMAT. A souvenir was also released.
Filmmaker Manju Borah, founder director, Film Heritage Foundation Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, director of first Manipuri Feature Film Matamgi Manipur Debkumar Bose, actor Yengkhom Roma and renowned film makers, artistes, technicians and members of different film organisations attended the function.