Imphal, April 3 (Representative) A book narrating the journey of Manipuri cinema, that completes 50 years this year, was released by thespian Ratan Thiyam here on Sunday. The book, titled “Manipuri Cinema”, has been authored by Meghachandra Kongbam, a renowned film critic. Illustrious film producers, directors, artists and technicians who have worked in Manipuri cinema, were present on the solemn occasion. Thiyam said the most important part of Manipuri Cinema is its aesthetic value. He strssed on production of more Children’s films and those that inspire the people by incultating values in them. M. Joy, Commissioner IPR and Arts & Culture, said tfilmmakers need to focus on making films that connect generations. “We should all render our support for production of films that have social values,” he said. Professor MC Arun, Department of Anthropology, Manipur University, said the book has given a detailed history of the theatre in Manipur.
While narrating the works of great film personalities the entire film movement was also presented. The author painstakingly interviewed large numbers of film personalities who worked in Manipuri cinema from 1972, abd analyses various changes in technology, concept and society. Meghachandra Kongbam, highlighting his journey in the field of art and culture as a film critics, said that he continuously contributed articles on films from various parts of the country. After taking a break for a year, he started concentrating on writing the book based on his knowledge about the various aspects of Manipuri Cinema. He urged the readers for positive suggestions, criticisms etc. for further improvement of his book. Kongbam, a resident of Imphal, received the Swarna Kamal for being adjudged the best film critic at the National Film Awards in 2015. He is a member of Film Critics Circle of India and is currently the President of the Film Society of Manipur. A journalist by profession, he also served as Director of Manipur Information and Public Relations department.