Reproduced here is the Manipur report, tabled at the General Body Meeting of the North East Film & Television Producers/Director Association at Guwahati on 12th October 2014. TC Foundation highlighted its activities and pressed for a concerted effort in campaigning for the resumption of Commissioning Programmes to private producers (by Doordarshan) the discontinuation of which has been a serious blow to the regions aspiring TV & filmmakers...... Hello Film folks, Greetings from TC Foundation Manipur. It is only fitting that I introduce myself and the organization I represent. I’m Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, a filmmaker, media consultant and an electronic journalist based in Imphal, Manipur. My latest documentary for PSBT, explores the impact of prolong conflict on a traditional and multi-ethnic society. I’m the President of TC Foundation or Television & Cine Foundation, Manipur. Actually, TCFM is the evolved version of what was formally known as the TVPAM – Television Producers Association Manipur. As of 2013, Television & Cine Foundation Manipur is a registered society for Television Producers, Filmmakers and Cine-lovers of Manipur, established to facilitate interaction, promote film culture and propagate the cause of films in Manipur, through aggressive film screenings, post-screening discussions, seminars, workshops, master-classes and film festivals. Since June 2013, in collaboration with MFDC, Manipur Film Development Corporation, the Foundation has been screening films, both non-features and features, every second Saturday at the mini preview hall of MFDC. The highlight of the second Saturday screening is the ‘work-in-progress’ screenings of local filmmakers and its post-screening interactions and brainstorming. Towards exploring narrative structures and skilling our members and young filmmakers of the State, the TC Foundation have organized a 5 Day Documentary Project Development Workshop conducted by the DocEdge team Kolkata, the Documentary Resource Initiative, led by Nilotpal Mazumdar, (dean of SRFTII) along Sourov Sarangi , Supriyo Sen and Bishnu Haldar. Altogether 19 filmmakers participated in the skilling workshop. As a way of appreciating our filmmakers, who have bagged laurels with their work-of-art, the Foundation has felicitated our grand master filmmaker, Aribam Syam Sharma along with his crew of Manipuri Pony (non-feature/FD production) and Leibaklei (feature/Commissioned TV serial by DD Imphal Kendra) for his achievements at the National Film Awards 2012. Beside the above activities and efforts towards a vibrant film culture in Manipur, what predominantly disturbed the Foundation is the non-continuation of commissioning programs by Doordarshan. We had written many representations, venting out our grievances to DDG northeast, DG and CEO Doordarshan, Mandi House but to no avail. We have also heard of the good work done by our Tripura and Assam counter-parts in this regard but sadly, there has not been any concerted effort to impress the Ministry of I & B, the Doordarshan authorities and DoNER Ministry in New Delhi of how it has adversely impacted the filmmakers and television-program-making community in the region. Allow me to point out that this is an issue where we, from the region, and also as a regional body, must organize our themselves and resist this adverse policy of discontinuing commissioning program to private producers in the northeast region. I would like to propose here that this Federation should take the lead in lobbying with the I & B Ministry and officials with all constituent state members joining in the campaign. As for Manipur, were ready to go the extra miles with the Federation on this issue. Fellow filmmakers and TV producers, you would be uncomfortable on learning that some of our active members have strayed into petty trades for their survival with DD shutting off their avenues for expression. The fact that the region lacks corporate industries and other commercial options to experiment with the creative arts of non-feature and fiction presentation made DD Commissioned Programmes, a fertile ground for horning ones skills and a springboard for greater endeavours in film making. With DD discontinuing commissioning of programmes to private producers, even this platform stands robbed from the regions aspiring and respected filmmakers. Before I conclusion, I must regret and tender my apology for not being physically present at this august Meet and urge all of you to deliberate meaningfully so that substantial resolutions may be adopted to safeguard and promote the interest of our tribe in our region. Thank you all ! Sunzu Bachaspatimayum President, Television & Cine Foundation Manipur tcfoundationmanipur@gamil Mobile: +91 897 405 8321 Imphal, Manipur
Posted on: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 15:03:08 +0000
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