Imphal: Noted multilingual filmmaker and producer from the Tangkhul community, Wungkathing Makang has emphasised the need for giving special focus to film preservation at all times and not only during film festivals.
He stated the same during a post-screening interaction after his 1994 classic Tangkhul film ‘Manho’ was screened on the 3rd day of the ongoing Festival of Cinemas of Manipur at Palace Auditorium, Manipur State Film Development Society here today.
Indicating that film preservation can never be too late, Wungkathing announced that he will donate copies of his existing films to the SN Chand Archive and Museum, MSFDS inaugurated last year.
He further stated that the ongoing festival helps in realising the urgent need for the people of Manipur especially authorities concerned to fixate on preservation of Manipuri films.
Wungkathing went on to express concern over the dwindling number of cinemas in the State and disappearance of the same from Ukhrul district.
He said that market control is becoming difficult and producers are pushed to hardships with many opting for CDs and other platforms.
To the surprise of many, Wungkathing also disclosed that the production cost of the film was around 40,000 Rupees only.
Young filmmaker Tushar Nongthombam’s ‘Monsoon of Life’ was screened as the second film of the day.
‘Operation Sangai’ directed by eminent filmmaker and cinematographer, L. Surjakanta and ‘Amuba Chandan’ by K Bimol Sharma were also screened on the third day of the festival.
An interesting debate over the superiority between adhering to what was demanded by the script and the schedule of artistes was also witnessed during the post-screening interaction of ‘Operation Sangai’.
MSFDS also expressed regret over cancelling the scheduled screening of late Chan Heisnam’s ‘Kanaga Hinghouni’ owing to technical glitches. It has been informed that MSFDS will make it convenient to screen the film in the next few days.
