Imphal, June 27: Art and Culture Minister Dr M Nara Singh today said that a multi cultural complex would be set at Palace Compound here at Imphal towards realizing the dream of making Manipur a cultural State.

He was speaking at the inaugural function of the three-day long International film festival on experimental film, Mami-recap, 2004 at the auditorium of Institute of Rural Education at Wangjing SK Leikai' today.

The event is being organized by River View Park Construction Committee in aid of constructing a model park at Wangjing.

Speaking as chief guest of the function, Dr Nara described Manipur as a hot bed of cultural activities and said setting up a multicultural complex would be fitting tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the people.

Along with the existing cluster of offices of the Manipur Film Development Corporation and Directorate of Art and Culture as well as Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre and Summang Leela Sanglen, efforts are being made for setting up many more mini complex related to the culture of different groups of people to convert Palace Compound into a multi-cultural complex, the Art and Culture Minister stated.

Dr Nara further disclosed that the Government is also considering construction of a multipurpose cinema hall, first of its kind in Thoubal District, at Wangjing Bazar at an estimated cost of Rs 2-3 crores.

In his address as guest of honour of the function, noted Manipuri film maker Aribam Shyam Sharma said that film, whether commercial or experimental, is an art form that need to be promoted.

He appreciated that it is now being taught in various film institutes as a subject.

He also informed that the children film, "Pari" made by him with financial assistance from National Film Development Council would be shown for the first time in Manipur during the film festival tomorrow.

In his presidential address, retd principal of YK College, Wangjing N Ibotombi stressed on- the need for producing more good and films in Manipur which can taught a lesson or two to the youngsters, who he felt seem to have lost their direction.

Prior to the address of the chief guest, Rajivkumar Singh, president of River View Park Committee, which is organizing the event, while giving the introductory speech appealed to the people for their support and co-operation in construction of the proposed model park along the bank of Wangjing river.

The park is estimated to cost around Rs 4 lakhs and so far Rs 1.40 lakhs have been spent in its construction.

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