39th International film festival
Oken's film on Thiyam makes the cut
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 27 2008: Adding yet another feather in the cap of the fledgling Manipuri film industry, Oken Amakcham and Nirmala Chanu's documentary on noted theatre personality Ratan Thiyam, christened 'Ratan Thiyam : The Man of Theatre' has made the cut for screening at the 12 day 39th International Film Festival scheduled to be held from November 22 at Goa.

Speaking to The Sangai Express a visibly upbeat, Amakcham said "I feel elated that our 27 minute documentary on Ratan Thiym has been selected for the prestigious festival.

I along with my crew members will join the festival," Amakcham, 46, said.

A still from the documentary on Ratan Thiyam to be screened at the Intl Film Fest

An actor turned director, Amakcham has directed four feature films and his maiden directorial venture, 'Khonthan' (Echo) was also selected for the Indian Panaroma for International film festival of India and the same was screened on January 17, 1993 at Siri Fort Auditorium at New Delhi.

His second film 'Mayophygee Macha' (Mayophy's son) bagged the 42nd National film award in regional category in 1995 and his latter films, Aroiba Bidai (Final Adieu) and Cheina (Agony) won the State best film awards.

Oken also bagged the best director award for Cheina.

Present serving as the secretary of Cine Artistes and Technician Association (CATA), a leading Manipuri film body, Oken is also on the Board of Directors of Manipur Film Development Corporation.

"Along with Nirmala Chanu, a promising woman director, studied the works of Ratan Thiyam and his Chorus Repertory and it took us about four months to finish the documentary," said Amakcham.

Thiyam who has won National and international accolades for his sensitive portrayal of characters and surroundings of Manipur started the Chorus Repertory in 1976, said Amakcham.

Besides being a theatre personality, Thiyam is also a respected poet, choreographer, painter and musician.

Amakcham, who is keen to follow in the footsteps of Thiyam said, "We can study, analyse and discuss the different aspects of our Oja Ratan'.

The documentary is produced by PPC (NE) Doordarshan, Guwahati and scripted by Memtombi Devi while Irom Maipak and Radhamohan captured the frames.

RK Lalmani Singh edited the film while Wahengbam Robin was the art director. Amakcham, who is also accomplished music composer is currently directing two Manipuri digital feature films, "Oja Sandhya" and "Amamba Lambi".