The Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) on Thursday inaugurated the Sangai Film Festival 2022 at Palace Auditorium, Imphal East.
Addressing the function as chief guest, director of Art and Culture, L Kishworjit Singh said that Sangai Festival is the only tourism festival of Manipur that gives a platform to promote culture of Manipur. Through art and culture, the state can promote the tourism sector in the state, he added.
Manipur as being inhabited by many ethnic communities and the state is known for its rich cultural heritage in the country, he said, adding that the state is endowed with various art forms which includes narrative art, visual art, performing art, martial art, etc.
He further said that maintaining authenticity or originality of art and culture is one of the most challenging tasks and that an artiste should have thorough knowledge of the art.
While mentioning about Manipur film, he said that getting an opportunity to screen Manipur films in IFFI 2022 as a part of Manipur film attending its 50 years is a big achievement. “It is all because of the dedication and hard-work of the artistes, status of Manipur film can reach to national and international level”, he said.
He also stated though the state is producing a good number of films in a year, many films do not have quality. As film is a technical media and due to absence of training facilities, the quality might be compromised, he opined. However, to prevent it, the state government has also started taking up initiative for promotion of Manipuri films, setting up of film institutes etc. he said.
The programme was also attended by actor Keshoram Meitei, as guest of honour who expressed his gratitude to the state government for giving the opportunity to conduct a film festival as a part of Sangai Festival.
Executive Board of MSFDS, Makhonmani Mongsaba also attended the function as president.
The Sangai Film Festival, which will continue till November 29, will screen 15 films. Most of them are award winning films.
