The workshop is being organised jointly by Manipur State Film Development Society, MSFDS and MSFTI in connection with the yearlong Golden Jubilee Celebration of Manipuri Cinema.
TFM Desk
Even as Manipur has been struggling to make its headway in professional film schooling with the Manipur State Film and Television Institute, MSFTI remaining inoperative so far, the 5-day Cine Lab has proven to be beneficial to professional as well as non-professional cinematographers.
Participants of the Cine Lab have opined that the cinematography workshop will help in compensating the absence of professional training facilities in the state. The workshop is being organised jointly by Manipur State Film Development Society, MSFDS and MSFTI in connection with the yearlong Golden Jubilee Celebration of Manipuri Cinema.
A statement issued by Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, Secretary MSFDS said acclaimed cinematographer and filmmaker, Mazhar Kamran has been engaging the participants with technical sessions, and hands-on training since March 26. Participants were introduced to different lighting conditions and space as demanded by the theme of the workshop.
In an interaction with reporters, Publicity Secretary of All Manipur Cinematographers’ Association, AMCA, Boong Konjengbam, who has over 25 films to his credit, said that the Cine Lab served as a refresher course for the experienced cinematographers. Highlighting the hurdles of film production in Manipur, he said that people here are still managing with meagre resources and lack of facilities for world class equipment.
Boong also expressed gratefulness to MSFDS and MSFTI for organising the workshop and giving the cinematographers, who are mostly self-taught, a rare opportunity to polish their skills. Nevertheless, Boong stressed upon the need for Manipur to have its MSFTI fully functional at the earliest so that cinematography enthusiasts can hone their skills through proper schooling.
Even though such workshops and trainings have proved to be beneficial, he added that 6-day Cine Lab is not enough to cover the vast scope of cinematographic art.
Meanwhile, cinematographer and editor, Raikhan Jajo of Hamleikhong in Ukhrul District expressed desire for MSFDS and others concerned to organise such workshops and master classes in other districts as well. The young professional has so far worked on seven feature films and two short films.
Raikhan said that for the workshop, he along with a friend have lodged themselves at a relative’s house in Nagaram area of Imphal. “We don’t want to miss the opportunity of learning from the acclaimed cinematographer and his gaffer. That’s why we made it a point to attend”, he added.
The workshop participants along with cinematographer Mazhar were at Phayeng village yesterday for outdoor location training.