Imphal : The Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), which owns and manages the SN Chand Cine Archive & Museum (SNCCAM), has expanded its activities from celluloid preservation to the archiving of video and digital films. To safeguard Manipuri cinema’s recent works.

With the setting up of an online server to securely store digital films, MSFDS has appealed to all producers and directors of Manipuri cinema to come forward and deposit their works, both video and digital, with SNCCAM for preservation.

“Every film is a part of our collective memory. We urge all filmmakers to safeguard their legacy by archiving their works,” MSFDS Secretary Sunzu Bachaspatimayum said.

Named after SN Chand, the state’s first film director, SNCCAM was established in 2021 during the Golden Jubilee of Manipuri Cinema remains the only state-run film archive and museum in India, equipped with a Film Vault, Conservatory Lab, Exhibition Gallery, and Hall. Within four years, it has emerged as a leader in film archiving with several milestones to its credit.

Among its most celebrated projects is the restoration of Ishanou by Aribam Syam Sharma, which earned an Official Selection in the Cannes Classics Section at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival in 2023, elevating it to world-classic status. Work is also underway on restoring Imagi Ningthem (1982) at L’Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna, Italy.

This film first brought global recognition to Manipuri cinema by winning India’s first Grand Prix at the Festival of Nantes. The first feature film by a Manipuri Director – Brojendragee Luhongba was also successfully preserved in 4K and released to the public.

Meanwhile, 132 fragile reels of Manipuri cinema (10 feature films and 5 Documentaries) are being digitised at the National Film Archives of India under the National Film Heritage Mission of the Prime Minister. MSFDS is also negotiating the acquisition of 27 Manipuri film negatives lying with the West Bengal Film Development Corporation.

To enrich its collection, SNCCAM is acquiring 13 antique but functional film equipment pieces from Hyderabad’s Kala Film Editing Centre. However, the archive continues to function without permanent staff and is currently managed by volunteers on daily wages—a challenge the Society hopes to resolve soon.

By embracing both celluloid and digital formats, MSFDS is determined to protect Manipuri cinema’s legacy. The Society urges filmmakers to collaborate in this mission by entrusting their works to SNCCAM so they may endure for generations to come.

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