For a few inspired moments amidst the chaos
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: September 13 2011 -

Living in Manipur in the last few decades has been largely an exercise in coming to terms with the chaos and strife all around us; it is about making do with the lack of basic amenities; dealing with threats and extortions and making your peace with strikes and blockades.

But life is not all that gloomy all the time. For, there are moments, though few and far between, when we are inspired, when we see possibilities, when our hearts swell with pride at the achievements of our fellow Manipuris.

In recent years, it has been our sportspersons who have provided us such moments of cheer making us forget the dreariness of our existence. They still do, only a few days back, Ningthoujam Sangita came back with the boxing gold medal in the 2nd World Police and Fire Games held at New York.

Hat off to them for the respect the rest of the country has of Manipur as a power house of sports. Besides sportspersons, gurus and practitioners of our dances, theatre personalities and those working in the field of cinema have also given us those uplifting moments one was talking about.

Any dance aficionado anywhere in the world is familiar with the Manipuri dance, in the field of theatre, Ratan Thiyam, Kanihailal are names to be reckoned with and in cinema, Shyam Sharma has won awards and critical acclaim the world over.

After his exploits, there was a lull but taking into account the recent showing of a bunch of film makers in both national and international arena, one can safely say, the future of Manipuri cinema is in sound and competent hands. These past couple of years, our young filmmakers has been doing exceptionally well.

The 56th National Film Awards, could be taken as a turning point where Manipuri cinema saw a resurgence of sorts. Here, AFSPA 1958, produced by Bachspatimayum Sunzu and directed by Haobam Paban won the Best Non-Feature film, 'Singnaba' produced and directed by Sunzu was awarded the Best Exploration Film, Elangbam Natasha won the Best Narration award while R K Bidur was conferred the Best Critic Award.

In the next 57th National Film Award, the good work continued, Haobam Paban winning the Rajat Kamal for Mr India. This film eventually got invitation for participation in many prestigious festivals.

The critical success of young film makers from the state continued and in the 58th National Film Awards Bachaspatimayum Sunzu won yet another National the award for the Best Film on Science and Technology for his 'Heart to Heart', Doren Oinam's 'Songs of Mashangva' winning the Best film on Ethnography and 'The Zeliangrong' of Ranel Haobam winning in the Special Mention category.

This run of critical recognition proves that the resurgence is here to stay. It is also a pointer that the present generation of film makers are a talented lot, committed to their calling and has the capability of producing cinematic work of value with consistency.

Needless to say, they should be accorded their due position in society, create an atmosphere where their vision can soar. The government can do its bid, in terms of financing, infrastructure and equipments. The MFDC has a very impressive multiplex at its disposal now, let it not lie idle.

Organise film festivals, seminars and workshops, let the young know the power and potential of this art form. Who knows the possibilities -a dormant talent might yet bloom into a cinematic genius.

We need not one but scores of them. We need many more individuals to shine and compete with the best in the world in different fields.

We need many more of those uplifting moments.