'Film institute will help to imbibe the craft of filmmaking'

From our correspondent 

Itagar, July 23: The Film and Television Institute in the State capital will act as a catalyst in harnessing and developing hidden talents, helping them to attain the craft of filmmaking.

This was stated by Assembly speaker TN Thongdok at a function to felicitate the first batch (short course) of students of Film and Television Institute, Itagar (an extended campus of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkota) at Banquet Hall here on Saturday. A film titled ‘Donyi Polo’, produced by the institution, was screened on the occasion. 

   Terming the day as historic, the speaker hoped that the institution would teach and groom future filmmakers from all parts of the country. Though there is abundance of talent in the Northeast, the artistes have not been able to make much headway due to lack of technical expertise and fincial availability.

“There have been few filmmakers who have gained critical acclaim but could not achieve as much success as they deserve and could not leave lasting imprint in the mainstream cinema. But because of the film institute and support of the government the future of the talented artistes are bright in the region now,” Thongdok said.

He added: “Filmmaking is a powerful medium which should be utilised responsibly not only for creating job avenues but should also be considered as a medium to highlight rich culture, varied lifestyle, tural beauty etc. to the outside world. Digital media is a boon, for the young generation, in film making in remote areas with new and fresh ideas.  Parliamentary Secretary (Home and Education) Pani Taram hoped that the film institute would boost quality filmmaking in the region and open avenues for talented artistes to make a mark at the tiol and intertiol level. He thanked the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for establishing the film institute.

He appealed to the students to utilise their art in promoting the unexplored aspects of the region which would give a fillip to the socio economy of the region. He assured all support and help in the development of the institution.

Manipur-based filmmaker Paban Hoaban underlined the importance of the training and advised that the art of filmmaking should be taken with responsibility. “The students should strive for new meaning and purpose. Enhancing the visual medium of storytelling as a specialised creative art is very challenging,” he said. “Updating and continuous conversation with self and society will help in acquiring knowledge and fulfilling the needs of inner genius in you,” Haoban added, wishing the students the best in life. SRTFI Director Debamitra Mitra highlighted the progress of the film institution and hoped the full-fledged course would begin from September-October.

IPR Director Obang Tayeng while thanking all said that though filmmaking is in its infant stage, many talented people have put in their hard work and achieved some successes. “Setting up of the institution and the support put in by the government will act as a catalyst for their faster development,” he said.

Earlier, the students who received certificates after completing the course shared their “enriching” experience. IPR Special Secretary Mitali mchoom, other officers, faculty members and students attended the function.