Imphal, September 9: The Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) has broadened its film preservation efforts to include digital and video formats, marking a significant step in safeguarding Manipuri cinema’s recent productions. The move comes alongside the creation of an online server designed to securely store digital films, and filmmakers are being urged to submit their works to the SN Chand Cine Archive & Museum (SNCCAM) for long-term preservation.
“Every film is a part of our collective memory. We urge all filmmakers to safeguard their legacy by archiving their works,” said MSFDS Secretary Sunzu Bachaspatimayum.
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Established in 2021 during the Golden Jubilee of Manipuri Cinema, SNCCAM, named after the state’s first director, SN Chand, is the country’s only state-run film archive and museum. It features a Film Vault, Conservatory Lab, Exhibition Gallery, and Hall, and has already earned recognition for several landmark projects.
Among these, the restoration of Ishanou by Aribam Syam Sharma gained international attention with an Official Selection in the Cannes Classics Section at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival in 2023. Work is also underway on restoring Imagi Ningthem (1982) in Italy, while the first Manipuri feature film, Brojendragee Luhongba, has been preserved in 4K and publicly released.
Currently, 132 fragile reels, including 10 feature films and five documentaries, are being digitized at the National Film Archives of India under the National Film Heritage Mission. The Society is also in talks to acquire 27 film negatives held by the West Bengal Film Development Corporation and is obtaining 13 functional antique film equipment pieces from Hyderabad.
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Despite operating without permanent staff and relying on volunteers, MSFDS continues to expand its collection and strengthen its archiving capabilities. With these initiatives, the Society hopes to ensure that Manipuri cinema’s legacy endures for generations to come.