By Bobby Wahengbam
Sensing the urgency of formal education and training in film making, the Manipur Government under the able- leadership of the Chief Minister is trying its best in setting up a Film and Television of India in Manipur. The central government is looking forward to set up its third institute in any of the North Eastern states where Manipur is a strong contender. Assam has already established its own state film institute (Jyoti Chitraban) at Guwahati. So, common sense says that Manipur is the ideal place for such an establishment and calls no controversy. Force landing of the same in any unfertile environment will invite resentment from the rest of other states. So, one can only zero it on to Manipur for a `win win situation`™ as it will benefit all the parties and strike at the core of the objective of the Institute.
The main objective of a Film Institute is to groom quality students who can strike a chord in world cinema and to provide professionals and skill technicians to the existing film industry. Learning the craft and technicalities is not enough to get the desired goal. The rich tradition of Theatre ( of Ratan Thiyam, Kanhailal, Premchand, Lokendro, Ibotombi etc etc.,), Dance (both classical and colourful dances of so many ethnic groups), other art forms, traditions such as Natsankritan and cultures like Laiharaoba, religions and many others will help the students immensely in the endeavour of great artiste.
Repertory of versatile, qualitative and dedicated theatre and film artistes are always in standby whenever the students require. It would not be possible for the students and the authority to call in artiste from outside for each and every project work. On top of that technicians are always available to assist the students. There are Universities which are available for assistance and help of any kind of research. A good director knows history, psychology, sociology, philosophy, religion and other subjects. Though one can produce a sensible film only by intuition and get recognition but he can`™t be part of academic discourses.
Manipur is strategically located which can be connected easily by Air and by road. It is `gate way`™ to the South East Asia. R K Nimai, during Film Convention, MFDC, Nov, 2014, reiterated that South Asia market could be catered back through the film institute in Manipur. As a matter of fact, films can be a trade item in the `Act East Policy`™ and India would be able to occupy a privileged space in the transaction.
The institute is expected to get Manipur back to the world cinema which is now in a rough path caught in a time-warp. The world does not exist as we ourselves are the world totally cut off from the changing dynamics prevailing around. The Institute will get back the world to us. It can also bail us out from the pedestrian fare we are synonymous with at the moment for lack of aesthetic sensibility. Such institute normally has lots of programmes and short period crash courses for the benefit of the film industry on top of the regular main courses which are difficult to get through as intake is normally 8 students per discipline. The discourse in the institute will provide mileage to our fast learner professionals opening unlimited avenues. We have talents in abundance but unguided.
Luckily our government is sensible enough to support this project with open arms. Land and other basics have already been earmarked. The government is optimistic and firm on establishing the institute that the state cabinet has approved of State Film City close to the site of the proposed institute. Wish the film policy can see the light of the day! Now, I am convinced that the state government has the capacity to open its own film institute with its talents pool even if the proposed Film and Television Institute of India is hijacked by powerful lobby from our deserved hands.