During the ongoing 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India(IFFI) in Goa , it was stated by filmmakers and producers from Manipur on Friday that Manipuri Films have been  drawing  attention globally for the past 50 years.

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is celebrating 50 years of Manipuri cinema. A total of 10 Manipuri films including five feature films and five non-feature films are being screened at IFFI-Goa under the Special Golden Jubilee Cinema package.

‘Matambi Manipur’ directed by Deb Kumar Bose was the first Manipuri film, which was released on April 9, 1972.

Since then, April 9 is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Manipuri Cinema  .

While introducing all about the Manipuri films, Festival Director and Managing Director of National Film Development Corporation Ravinder Bhaskar paid rich tribute to the pioneers of Manipuri cinema which has inspired a generation of storytellers of not only Manipur but of the entire country.

According to Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) Secretary Sunzu Bachaspatimayum , the internationally acclaimed Manipuri films such as ‘Imagi Ningthem’, ‘Ishanou’, ‘Loktak Lairembi’ or ‘Look at the Sky’ portrays the  culture and way of life of Manipur .

Sunzu Bachaspatimayum  further said that on  April 9, 2021 Manipuri cinema has celebrated its golden jubilee which was financially supported and assisted by  the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and Directorate of Film Festivals.

While addressing about the history of Manipuri Cinema, Bachaspatimayum said that an attempt to make the first feature of Manipur was taken  as early as 1948 in the Hindi language considering the commercial aspect.

However the attempt failed and then  20 years later in 1971, S.N. Chand took the risk to make the first Manipuri feature film.

Moreover , another Manipuri film titled ‘Matamgi Manipur’, produced by Karam Monamohan ,a businessman and directed by Bengali filmmaker Deb Kumar Bose was released in 1972 ahead of ‘Brojendragee Luhongba’, the film by S.N. Chand, the MSFDS Secretary said.

The 53rd  edition of IFFI has also recorded the highest number of 25 delegates from Manipur with many filmmakers, critics, and officials taking part in the film extravaganza. The National Film Development Corporation(NFDC) in collaboration with Entertainment Society of Goa has organized the nine-day long IFFI, which will conclude on November 28.