The Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) on Thursday donated Rs 4,01,200 to the family of renowned Manipuri cinematographer Irom Maipak, who passed away due to Covid-19 in May, 2021.
The aid was donated to Maipak’s family to help clear the debts incurred during his Covid-19 treatment.
MSFDS secretary Sunzu Bachaspatimayum along with other executive members of MSFDS donated the amount to Maipak’s spouse Irom Rita in a small event held at MSFDS.
The amount for the donation was pieced together by organising a charity show of Aribam Syam Sharma’s ‘Ishanou’ which was included in the ‘World Classic’ of the Cannes Film Festival, 2023.
On the occasion, Sunzu pointed out that absence of a proper governmental scheme and policies to aid the film fraternity during times of needs was a setback for the community. He stated that Irom Maipak underwent a similar distress during his Covid treatment. As a result, his family incurred a total treatment cost of over Rs 10 lakh, he added.
He stated that the donation was made due to the generosity of film enthusiasts, media persons and other sections of people. Meanwhile, Irom Maipak’s spouse Irom Rita alleged that her husband passed away due to the negligence of the hospital he was treated in.
“He would have survived if the hospital doctor and nurses had closely monitored his Oxygen level,” she added. She noted that she was knee deep in debts incurred during her husband’s expensive treatment.
She expressed gratitude to MSFDS for the aid. MSFDS executive board members Oken Amakcham, Laimayum Surjakanta, Wungkathing Makang, Romi Meitei among others were present during the event.
