Imphal: Manipur’s film industry celebrated its brightest talents on Saturday, with Governor Anusuiya Uikey presenting the 15th Manipur State Film Awards, 2023, at the Palace Auditorium of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS).
The ceremony also honored Aribam Syam Sharma, a nonagenarian film personality and recipient of the prestigious MSFDS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.
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Aribam Syam Sharma, a multi-faceted talent who has excelled as a director, actor, and music composer, is a true legend in Manipuri cinema. He rose to national and international prominence with his award-winning film “Imagi Ningthem” (My Son, My Precious).
This groundbreaking movie, released in 1982, secured the Montgolfière d’Or, the top prize, at the prestigious Festival des Trios Continents in Nantes, France, marking a historic first for Indian cinema.
Sharma, a native of Imphal, began his cinematic journey as an actor in the landmark Manipuri film “Matamgi Manipur.” In 1974, he made his directorial debut with “Lamja Parshuram,” which shattered box office records by becoming the first Manipuri film to run for 100 days.
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The veteran filmmaker emphasized the importance of inclusivity within the Manipur film festival. He urged organizers to move beyond the limitations of a single language, arguing that “language shouldn’t be a barrier” in a state as diverse as Manipur.
He lamented that his internationally acclaimed “Emagi Ningthem” initially faced resistance from Indian juries due to its non-Meiteilon language. Sharma’s powerful statement calls for a more representative and multifaceted approach to the state’s film scene.