Journey of Manipuri films recalled

By Our Staff Reporter
Imphal, Apr 27 : Padmashree awardee and renowned Manipuri filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma has categorically stated that a concerted effort from the film fraternity is indispensable to take Manipuri films to greater heights.
Addressing a function held today in honour of late Manipuri film personalities and National awardees RK Bidur and Irom Maipak at the auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS),   Palace Compound, Syam Sharma said that the venture of the Manipuri  film industry which has been continuing since the last 50 years or so is remarkable as many small communities have stopped making films after producing a handful of films due to different challenges.
Syam continued that filmmakers in Manipur cannot simply learn the art of film making from the rest of the world as one has to understand the cultural identity and other values of the State.
The renowned film maker said that late RK Bidur was a precious critic of Manipuri films while late Irom Maipak was a cameraman with a difference who knew the intricacy of cameras very well.
Saying that film is a composite art which needs coordination of film makers, actors and all the crews, Syam maintained that the venture of Manipuri films will cease to continue without concerted effort from all stakeholders.
Filmmaker Ningthouja Lancha who spoke as guest of honor recalled his association with late RK Bidur and Maipak and appreciated the two for their contribution to Manipuri films.
Lancha said  that revival of cultural interest, artistic sensibility and collectivism are some of the important aspects that need to be considered at length while remembering the great personalities of the Manipuri film industry.
Manipuri film actor and Psychologist Professor Mayengbam Akshayakumar also attended the function.
Paying floral tributes to the photos of RK Bidur and Irom Maipak were the main events of the function.