All Manipur Film Producers Association (AMFPA) upset
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 14 2012:
Precious Manipuri celluloid feature films, including Indian Panorama awards winners, may get imperiled due to sudden closing down of Rupyan Laboratory in West Bengal, where these films are being preserved, said All Manipur Film Producers Association (AMFPA) .
Speaking to reporters at Hotel Imphal, AMFPA president Thokchom Binapani Devi said, after the production of first Manipuri celluloid feature film 'Matamgi Manipur', many producers made different films including most acclaimed Imagi Ningthem in black and white format.
However, many of these precious films were perilled by flood, she added.
After it, Binapani said, 53 colour feature films were produced by different producers and directors.
Out of these 53 films, 41 films including Indian Panorama award winner Mayophigee Macha were preserved at Rupyan Laboratory which is being run under West Bengal Film Development Corporation, Binapani said.
Unfortunately, West Bengal Government has recently decided to close down the said laboratory, she said adding that the laboratory has also issued notice to AMFPA to collect the Manipuri films within March 31 .
The association could not claim the films as the notice reached the association belately, she regretted.
Binapani further said that even if these films were taken out from Rupyan Laboratory, another laboratory would be needed for preservation.
Drawing attention of the Government in this regard, she urged the State Government to arrange a laboratory for preserving the films at the earliest.