Imphal: Manipur Governor La Ganesan on Saturday distributed the 14th Manipur State Film Awards 2022 to distinguished film personalities of Manipur. The awards ceremony was held at Palace Auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Palace Compound in Imphal.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said the awards were given to encourage the people working in the state’s film industry. He said the filmmakers should make films which would show the diverse and rich culture of Manipur that would not only help in saving the culture of the state but also help in spreading awareness to those living outside the state.
The unsung heroes of Manipur can be made known to the world through this strong media, he said.
Governor Ganesan further said that cinema is a very powerful weapon to reach the masses. The reach of the message through cinema is very strong and the access is also easy. Many ideas and views when said through movies are easily accepted by the people. Movies which highlight social issues reach the masses easily and the whole issue attracts more support.
Congratulating the awardees, the Governor urged them to make more films which will be remembered by all. Lauding the efforts put to organize the Manipur State Film Awards distribution ceremony by MSFDS, he complimented their sincere works to promote arts and culture in the state.
Organizing such events will be a morale booster for everyone in the film industry of the state, he said.
The Governor also expressed confidence that the efforts of the MSFDS will help in elevating the standard of cinema and also in encouraging the young artistes and technicians of Manipur.
The Governor handed over the Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned filmmaker Laimayum Banka Sharma in recognition of his contribution to Manipuri Cinema. Various film awards of different categories were also distributed during the ceremony.
Ningthoujam Shilheiba (Dinesh) and Ningombam Biju Devi were adjudged the best actor (Male and Female) in the feature film category.
Renowned transgender actor Bishesh Huirem was also awarded the best actor award for the film ‘Apaiba Leichi’, while Gurumayum Bonny Sharma, popularly known as Bonny, was given the best supporting actor (Male) Award.
Debendro Thiyam’s Ayekpa Singee Pukhei was awarded the best non-feature while Eikhoigi Yum by Romi Meitei was given the best feature film award during the award distribution ceremony.
Water Resources minister Awangbou Newmai, while presiding over the ceremony, said Manipuri Cinema has been improving considerably. More efforts should be put to develop the quality of the films so that it can compete at the international level, he added.
Modeled after the prestigious National Film Awards, the Manipur State Film Award was instituted in 1984 to encourage production of films of aesthetic and technical excellence and social relevance, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of cultures of different communities living together in Manipur in cinematic form, while promoting unity and integrity of the state.
The award carries a Maibi Memento, cash prizes and a citation.
The 14th edition of the Manipur State Film Awards 2022 accepted entries of films censored in the 2020 and 2021 as COVID-19 pandemic also had its toll in the film industry of Manipur and the awards could not be organised.