Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla highlighted the importance of Manipuri cinema as a potent tool for storytelling and cultural representation, showcasing the essence of the people’s aspirations, struggles, identity, and resilience.
He commended the consistent portrayal of Manipur’s rich cultural heritage and societal realities in films from the region, emphasizing their ability to engage audiences beyond Manipur through meaningful narratives and artistic brilliance.
At the 16th Manipur State Film Awards (MSFA) ceremony, Governor Bhalla stressed the rootedness of Manipuri cinema and encouraged young filmmakers to preserve local stories, languages, traditions, and values while embracing innovative cinematic approaches.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also acknowledged the pivotal role of cinema in shaping human motivation and social values, urging the Manipuri film industry to continue striving for growth and wider recognition despite challenges and a relatively smaller audience base.
The event witnessed the release of the official award catalogue and a captivating demonstration of the Manipuri martial art form, Thang-Ta, by the Huyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association.
