A memorial cum floral tribute in connection with Debkumar Bose’s ‘Shradha’ ceremony was observed at the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) campus on Wednesday.
Debkumar Bose was a pivotal figure in the history of Manipuri cinema. He directed the state’s first full length feature film ‘Matamgi Manipur’ (1972). He passed away at Bellevue Hospital on October 18, 2024.
The cast and crew of the project including the doyen of Manipuri Cinema, Aribam Syam Sharma, and the commissioner of Arts and Culture paid floral tribute at the memorial stone in honour of Debkumar Bose’s contribution.
Speaking on the occasion, Aribam Syam Sharma stated that Debkumar’s successful initiative paved the way for Manipuri Cinema.
“My involvement in the film was a learning phase. The film introduced the Manipuri fraternity into the technical aspect of filmmaking,” he said.
He stated that all the Manipuri actors in the film had prior training on film acting however their keenness for the artform made the film a grand success.
“Stopping the shoot midway due to financial and other shortages was the major of the entire team during that period. The prior failure to complete shooting of ‘Meinu-Pemcha’ had led to this apprehension,” he added.
He highlighted that the film was made under difficult circumstances including language barrier and unpredictable shooting schedules.
“There are arguments about Debkumar being the director for the first Manipuri feature.
People have to understand that we are the ones who approached him and it was under his guidance and knowledge that a complete work of Manipuri cinema was created,” he said.
As such he extended gratitude to Debkumar for his endless support for Manipuri cinema and introducing the region to a full length feature film.
