Surjakanta sought cooperation and support of the film community in mounting pressure on the government to allocate Rs 5-crore budget for promotion of films in the upcoming budget session for the financial year 2022-23.

He further said that the number of movie goers has declined as the theatres are in deplorable conditions and stressed the need to upgrade movie theatres in the state.

Meanwhile, speaking as chief guest of the function, noted film critic Meghachandra Kongbam said that industry status for film has been sought for a long time.

Films coming under the wing of Art and Culture instead of being recognised as an industry caused many inconveniences, especially financial hardships to those practising the medium, he said.

All the members of the film community need to strive together by understanding the core issue, he added.

He pointed out that except for Manipur and Mizoram, all the other Northeast states have set up state of the art movie theatres.

He also said that regional Bengali and Assamese films are struggling to compete with mainland cinema despite their having similar appearances. Manipuri cinema with its Asian appearances and features has a lot of potential.

Former chairman of Film Forum Manipur S Mangoljao and president of Cine Directors’ Guild Suvash E were also present during the function wherein award winning directors were also felicitated.

Prior to the function, attendees offered a two-minute silence to pay homage to film personalities who passed away due to COVID-19.