There's an urgent need to frame new policies and revive the Manipuri film industry, Manipur Cultural Council (MCC) president Kangjam Radhakumar said as cinema halls remain shut in the state.
Radhakumar inaugurated the three-day mega premier show of the film Tharoi Ahambei Mahao held at Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) on Saturday.
The programme was jointly organised by the MCC, the Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibee, Manipur (PLAMPM), the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) and the Manipur Youth Cultural Organization (MYCO).
Radhakumar said that with the advancement of information technology, any kind of movies are easily accessible through television or smart phones. But that change does not affect the culture of watching movies in theatre or cinema halls in metropolitan cities, he opined.
In Manipur, the trend of enjoying cinema in theatres disappeared with the shutting down of cinema halls and this has largely affected the film industry, the MCC president said. He suggested that it is high time for renaissance of the Manipuri film industry by introducing innovative ideas and policies.
He also stated that though Manipur is known for its rich art and culture along with sports but that the state government failed to give proper recognition to artistes. The role of an artist is very much significant in preserving and safeguarding the art and culture of the state. As such the state government should encourage artists by providing regular incentives, relaxation in recruitment (in related fields) and provide facilities to expose their talent, he suggested.
Advisor of MCC, Sougrakpam Hemanta said that COVID-19 pandemic had impacted people who are in the field of art and culture. He also informed that MCC, consisting of all the artists working in different performing arts, was formed with the sole purpose to safeguard all the performing arts of the state along with the concept to extend help and support amongst the artist whenever required. To move forward with their objective, the film premier show was held as a fund drive, he added.
He further said that at one point of time, only the people who belonged to well to do families were in the field of art and culture. But nowadays it is completely opposite as most of the artists of the state are economically deprived, he said, adding that they continue to do their service as following passion is worth more than anything else.
