Imphal: The Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) celebrated the 4th Foundation Day of the SN Chand Cine Award Cine Archive & Museum with a significant focus on preserving the rich heritage of Manipuri cinema. As part of the commemoration, a Film Preservation Workshop organized by MSFDS concluded on Saturday.
The workshop, held under the theme “To Save Our Heritage,” from April 4 to 6, was a pivotal event for individuals interested in film conservation and archiving. Conducted by renowned Film Conservator Johnson Rajkumar, certified by the International Federation of Film Archivists, Belgium, the workshop aimed to instill practical skills and theoretical understanding in film preservation and restoration.
Highlighting the importance of the workshop, Sunju Bachaspatimayum, Secretary of MSFDS, emphasized the significance of saving Manipur’s cinematic heritage. “This workshop is an important endeavor, and we are committed to investing our resources into it. Selected participants have the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of Manipur’s heritage,” said Bachaspatimayum.
The three-day workshop featured nearly five hours of intense theoretical and practical instructions on conserving, preserving, and restoring celluloid films. Participants engaged in hands-on practical exercises, including handling, rewinding, cleaning, and fixing tapes, under the guidance of Johnson Rajkumar.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the workshop’s significance in realizing the importance of conserving and archiving old films. “This workshop made us realize the importance of preserving our heritage. The delicate nature of old paper and films requires proper care and conservation,” said one participant.
The workshop covered a range of topics, including the preservation of film, video, audio, and digital formats, as well as digitization techniques. Johnson Rajkumar’s expertise, coupled with his accolades, including the ‘Champions of Film Heritage Award 2022,’ further underscored the workshop’s value in promoting film preservation in Manipur.
Simultaneously with the film preservation workshop, the MSFDS conducted a two-day intensive Producer’s Lab on April 6-7, 2024. Tailored for practicing producers, filmmakers, and aspirants, the lab covered all aspects of film production from script to screen, encompassing various facets such as funding, marketing, acquisition of rights, ideation, script development, budgeting, and pitching film distribution strategies.
With a special focus on developing winning pitches for film projects aimed at prospective financiers, investors, or production companies, both nationally and internationally, the Producer’s Lab provided participants with invaluable insights and practical skills to navigate the competitive landscape of the film industry.
These workshops coincided with the 4th Foundation Day of the SN Chand Cine Archive & Museum, established during the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Manipuri Cinema in 2021. Serving as the sole state-run film archiving and museum in India, SNCCAM boasts facilities dedicated to film maintenance, training, and preservation.
The culminating event for both workshops is scheduled for April 9th, known as Mami Numit, the birthday of Manipuri Cinema. Participants will convene at the Palace Auditorium to commemorate the occasion, paying homage at the Manipuri Memorial Monolith located at the MSFDS complex.
MSFDS’s overarching mission extends beyond imparting skills in film preservation and production; it also seeks to celebrate and uphold the vibrant legacy of Manipuri cinema. Filmmakers, producers, archivists, and enthusiasts are urged to seize this unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation and promotion of Manipur’s cinematic heritage.