The celebration of ‘50 years of Manipuri Cinema’ at the 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI 53) began on Thursday at Goa, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has said.
Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, Secretary of Manipur Film Development Society (MFDS), said a long-cherished dream has been realised. He spoke about the genesis of Manipuri cinema in 1972 with the release of Matamgi Manipur, and subsequently Brojendragee Luhongba.
He also highlighted the strong influence of the rich tradition of theatre in Manipur stating that Matamgi Manipur was an adaptation of the play Tirthayatra.
Despite of low budgets and political turmoil, the MFDS produces 45 to 50 films annually, Bachaspatimayum said. Some of these films are now even part of OTT platforms like Netflix, which is a testament to the maturing of the film industry in Manipur, he added.
Bachaspatimayum also said that despite closure of cinema halls for many years, recently two PVR theatres with around 200-capacity were opened in Manipur. Alongside this, the keen interest of OTT platforms in Manipuri cinema is expected to give a thrust to local filmmakers to showcase their works locally and internationally.
10 films – five each in the feature and non-feature segments – will be screened at IFFI this year to celebrate the golden jubilee of Manipuri cinema. The opening films were non-feature film Ratan Thiyam: The Man of Theatre and feature film Ishanau, Ministry of I&B stated.
Read more: IFFI 53 to celebrate 50 glorious years of Manipuri Cinema
Filmmaker Ashok Veilou and his brother Alexander L Pou, a creative producer, both alumnus of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute Kolkata, spoke about their film Look at the Sky.
They said their feature film on political turmoil portrays the right to vote and other constitutional rights and bears strong influences of events associated with their family in their native village.
Veilou also spoke highly of all non-professional yet extremely talented actors who were part of Look at the Sky, and their work that has earned them a screening at IFFI.
Producer Alexander L Pou and others highlighted the fact that their movies are reflections of the unique cultural life and politics in their State.
Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, L Surjakanta Sarma, Chairperson of Film Forum-Manipur, Ashok Veilou and Alexander L Pou interacted with the media and delegates during IFFI ‘Table Talks’ organized on the side-lines of IFFI 53.
Celebrating 50 Glorious years of Manipuri Cinema the below non feature films will be screened at #IFFI53
– Ratan Thiyam The Man of Theathre
– Look At The Sky
– The Silent Poet
– The Tainted Mirror
– Illisa Amagi Maho#Manipuri #GoldenJubilee #50Years #50GloriousYears #Manipur pic.twitter.com/SLzj467Iae— NFDC India (@nfdcindia) November 18, 2022
