Imphal, May 29: The Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, stated on Thursday that Manipuri cinema is not merely a source of entertainment. It serves as a powerful medium to showcase the identity, struggles, hopes, and resilience of the people.
He emphasized that Manipuri films have consistently portrayed the state’s rich cultural heritage and social realities in a compelling manner.
Governor Bhalla made these remarks during the award distribution ceremony of the 16th Manipur State Film Awards (MSFA) 2024, held at the Palace Auditorium of MSFD. He noted that the greatest strength of Manipuri cinema lies in its connection to its roots.
He urged young filmmakers to embrace new ideas and modern cinematic techniques while preserving local stories, languages, traditions, and cultural values.
The Governor also acknowledged the contributions of filmmakers, artists, writers, technicians, critics, and researchers in advancing Manipuri cinema.
On this occasion, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh highlighted that cinema plays a crucial role in inspiring society and shaping social values. He remarked that despite a limited audience and numerous challenges, the Manipuri film industry should continue to strive for growth and strengthen its identity beyond the state.
The Chief Minister assured government support for the promotion and strengthening of Manipuri cinema.
During the event, the official award catalog was released. A stunning performance of Manipuri traditional martial art ‘Thang-Ta’ by the Huyen Lallong Manipuri Thang-Ta Cultural Association captivated the audience.
The MSFD Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 was presented to Ngangbam Swarnjeet Singh, the first professional film artist from Manipur, in recognition of his historic contributions to Manipuri cinema. This honor was bestowed by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
The Governor, Chief Minister, and Minister of Art, Culture, and Tourism, Govindas Konthoujam, also distributed awards to winners in both feature and non-feature film categories.
The MSFD awards are regarded as the highest state honor for Manipuri cinema, aimed at promoting excellence, creativity, and artistry in the film industry.
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