Newmai News Network Imphal | December 19 The State Level Tribal Films Festival Committee, Manipur has urged the Government of Manipur to establish a State Film Institute and install cinema halls in all the hill district headquarters of Manipur to promote the tribal films in the State. The Committee submitted a memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Y Joykumar in this regard as the 3-day festival culminated today at Amity Hall, Adimjati Complex, Imphal. The memorandum demanded from the State Government to earmark government funds for organizing the State Level Tribal Film Festival annually. The Committee also demanded from the State Government to earmark funds for conducting awareness campaign, seminars or workshops every year on making tribal films, and documentary films. Meanwhile, speaking on the occasion, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh said that films are the most important medium to take the lead to cultural integration and peaceful co-existence among communities in the state. Film festivals are not only a showcase, but also a right platform to exchange cultures of various communities in the state, he stated, adding most of the films reflected social atmosphere from time to time and give the message to re-think on issues which can be addressed collectively or individually. Singh said resemblances in culture and traditions are also reflected in films. Therefore, to develop a good human relationship and to foster peaceful co-existence among communities, such festivals should be held together along with the other films produced in the State. He said a number of tribes and sub-tribes with different culture and traditions have inhabited in Manipur for the last many years. Despite having such differences, people in hill and valley are enjoying festivals together which shows the uniqueness of unity in diversity, he added. Stating that Government is trying to develop film production in the State, the Deputy Chief Minister said, a Film & Television Institute has already been established to train people working in the field and to nurture new talents. He appealed to people to take opportunities from the Institute. The three-day festival, which was organised by State Level Tribal Films’ Festival Committee (SLTFF) Manipur and started on December 17, had shown altogether eight films from Zeliangrong, Anal, Chothe, Kuki, Tangkhul, Aimol, and Inpui.
