'Marketing is one of the biggest hurdles for Manipuri films'

Oinam Gautam’s ‘Phijigee Mani’ (My Only Gem) -- a Manipuri feature film that tells the tale of a mother-son relationship against the backdrop of insurgency and drug-ravaged Manipur, has been selected for the Best Regional Film Award at the 59th National Film awards 2011.

The award ceremony will be held in New Delhi on May 3. In an exclusive interview with Anjana Pradhan of Deccan Herald, Gautam, the director of the film, talks about the difficulties of making and marketing films produced from the North East.

Tell us in brief about your film ‘Phijigee Mani’?

My makeup artist, Chan Chal, told me that one of her cousins was keen to produce a film. The story of the film had been written by the producer herself. But, she had to convince her family before taking up the project as she’s new to the field. She wanted the story to be told to a wider audience. I was looking for new faces for the cast. Artist Tonthoi was also fairly new then. But I thought she would fit the role of Yaipabi well. Keeping her character in mind also helped in developing the script. It is the story of a family wherein the mother and the son are the central metaphors.

After more than a decade, a national award has been conferred on a Manipuri film. What took such a long time to get such an award despite Manipuri film industry being in the circuit for over four decades?

There aren’t many producers who are keen to invest on celluloid as it demands high degree of investment. The boom of digital film in Manipur is just a decade old. For the record, digital feature films were not allowed to participate in the competitions. It has been only two years since the matter went to the court. And the court cleared the tangle.

Do these awards help directors and producers of the North East region to make inroads into Bollywood?

It is understandable that films made with high investment, hi-tech approach including a thorough marketing strategy will have a sway in the commercial circuit. At the same time, recognition like the national award should not be taken as a launch pad to Bollywood.  

Manipuri cinema has come a long way since 1920. But, despite being recognised by the global film movement, why is it that Manipuri films have not been able to cross the hurdles?

Marketing and infrastructure facilities are the two biggest Himalayan hurdles which we have to cross. It will take some more time given the peculiarity of the socio-economic set up of Manipur.

By and large, Manipuri films have surpassed regional films in terms of quality in spite of being losing propositions. Is it because most of these films are based on the prevailing situation in the state?

Regional films, so to say, naturally would reflect the social milieu. It would be incorrect to say that most of the Manipuri films are based on the prevailing situation.

How far does screening of Manipuri films at the national level or at other platforms help?

Larger the audience, wider will be the reach of the subject. Screening of Manipuri films at the national level or at any other platforms do give us a boost.

Is it that Manipur’s young filmmakers are caught in the cobweb of good and bad cinema?

According to me, there is no good or bad film as such. I try to express the script in the cinematic form; in the best possible way, which should relate with the viewers, easily.

Hindi films have been banned in Manipur. Doesn’t this show that the people of Manipur are trying to alienate themselves from the main stream?

Does one become an American by watching Hollywood movies? Films and alienation of the people are diametrically opposite. I heard Hindi films are banned in some other parts of the North East also.

How has the digital revolution made an impact on the films in Manipur?

Low cost production has made a lot of difference, and more and more film enthusiasts are trying their hands at this art form.

How do you see the future of Manipuri cinema in 10 years from now?

It still needs to grow. But, growth will not happen till the state government comes forward to support the industry. There’s no dearth of artistes and art lovers in Manipur.

Any new project in the pipeline?

We are almost at the completion of a film, ‘Manipur Express’. It is a commercial one with action and thrills.
    
What are the challenges that you had to face during the making of the film including the politics of insurgency and counter insurgency and lack of screening halls in the state?

Given the volatility of the backdrop we work in, there are difficulties. For instance, shooting outdoor is a problem as there is no proper studio facility here. Even during day time, if we are to shoot in a far off location, we have to be cautious. Lack of good screening hall is also a problem. Life is a challenge and we have to face it.

As a filmmaker, what is your take on the Central government’s attitude towards the real issue of Armed Forces Special Powers Act-1958, which is still in force in Manipur?

It should be repealed.