Manipuri (India): Cultural policy on film takes shape

[Harold F. Schiffman]

Cultural policy on film takes shape

Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, Jun 04: As a part of the endeavour to frame a cultural policy of
the State, a meeting of film directors, producers and representatives of
CSO was jointly organised by HERICOUN, UPF and IPSA today at State Guest
House, Imphal. A joint statement of HERICOUN, UPF and IPSA informed that
the meeting was presided by noted film personality K Ibohal and
vice-president of IPSA Yumnamcha Dilipkumar. After serious deliberations
on the matter, it was resolved to abstain from producing films with alien
subjects that posed threats to the Manpuri culture and to keep apart from
using costumes non-conforming to our identity and to minimise use of
indecent words, mentioned the statement.

Other resolutions adopted during the meeting include prohibition of people
from other States other than those of South East Asia, North East India
and indigenous peoples of the State to take major roles in Manipuri films.
Even if such peoples are inevitable , prior permission should be sought
from Film Forum. To abstain from inserting dance and singing scenes with
indecent body gestures akin to Hindi films. Prohibition of play back
singing by artistes of other states was another resolution agreed today.

It also resolved to name the films in Manipuri language and give character
names related to the indigenous cultural values. Screening of films
released without preview before such meets on film policy to ensure
collective preview of the films. Any film producer, director or film
company wants to shoot films in Manipur, permission must be sought from
Film Forum Manipur. To entrust Film Forum Manipur to enforce all the
resolutions adopted today with the recognition of the Forum as the apex
body of Manipuri films, was another resolution.

The last resolution cautioned that if any individual or film company fails
to abide by the regulations of the Forum, the concerned individual or
company would be held accountable for any eventuality, conveyed the joint
statement.


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