IMPHAL, NOVEMBER 20: The journey of one of Manipuri cinema’s most celebrated filmmakers, Aribam Syam Sharma, entered a new chapter on Tuesday as the official poster marking 50 years of his cinematic odyssey (1974–2024) was unveiled at a solemn ceremony at Tanthapolis Cinema, Imphal.
The event brought together some of the most respected figures from Manipuri cinema and the arts. The poster was formally unveiled by the iconic duo Kangabam Tomba and Yengkhom Roma, the first superstar pair of Manipuri films; Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, Secretary of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS); Chongtham Kamala, legendary singer; and Arambam Ongbi Memchoubi, Sahitya Akademi Award-winning poet. They were joined by the filmmaker himself, Aribam Syam Sharma, adding emotional weight to the moment.
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Organised by the Aribam Syam Sharma Foundation (ARSYSAF) in collaboration with Tanthapolis Cinema, the unveiling was followed by screenings of two of his acclaimed National Award-winning films, LEIPAKLEI (Best Manipuri Film, 60th National Film Awards, 2013; Official Selection, 14th Jeonju International Film Festival, 2013) and GURU LAIMAYUM THAMBALNGOUBI DEVI (Best Biographical Film, 54th National Film Awards, 2008; Official Selection, Indian Panorama, 37th International Film Festival of India).
Speaking on the occasion, Aribam Gautam Sharma, Managing Trustee of ARSYSAF, reflected on the filmmaker’s long and remarkable journey, which began in 1974 with his debut films Lamja Parshuram (Fiction) and Sana Leibak Manipur (Documentary). He noted that Aribam Syam Sharma continues to work actively even today and is currently engaged in two documentary projects, one on Lai Haraoba and another on the life and works of iconic poet Thangjam Ibopishak. Till date, the filmmaker has directed 15 fiction films and 31 documentaries.
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Gautam explained that although the golden jubilee milestone fell in 2024, the commemoration could not be held last year due to the law and order situation. The Foundation, he said, now plans a yearlong celebration in collaboration with Tanthapolis Cinema, featuring monthly screenings of selected works. He highlighted that most films made after Imagi Ningthem (1981), with a few exceptions, were produced by government departments or undertakings and therefore never reached the public in regular screenings.
He added that the Foundation hopes these monthly screenings will help familiarise the younger generation and the general public with the breadth and beauty of Aribam Syam Sharma’s work.