MSFDS Expands Film Archiving to Digital & Video Films, Calls on Filmmakers to Preserve Their Works

Imphal: The Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), which owns and manages the SN Chand Cine Archive & Museum (SNCCAM), has extended its archiving activities from celluloid preservation to include video and digital films. In a significant step, SNCCAM has recently set up an online server to safely store Manipuri video and digital films, ensuring they are not lost to time.

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,” said Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, the Secretary, MSFDS.

Image: Deplorable condition of celluloid reel deposited at SNCCAM

Image: Film Reel to be treated to restore life

Established in 2021 as part of the Golden Jubilee celebration of Manipuri Cinema, SNCCAM was named after SN Chand, the first Manipuri film director. Today, it stands as the only state-run film archive and museum in India equipped with a Film Vault, Film Conservatory Lab, Exhibition Gallery, and Hall. In just four years, SNCCAM has emerged as a national leader in film archiving, setting milestones in heritage preservation.

Image: Film Maintenance activity at the Film Conservatory Lab of SNCCAM

The Society has already restored Ishanou (Aribam Syam Sharma), which was selected in the Cannes Classics Section at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival in 2023, elevating it to the status of a world classic. Restoration of Imagi Ningthem (1982) is underway at L’Immagine Ritrovata, Bologna, Italy – the film that gave Manipuri cinema its first international Grand Prix at Nantes.

Image: Film Conservationist volunteer working on a celluloid film at the Film Conservatory Lab of SNCCAM

Meanwhile, 132 reels of fragile Manipuri films (10 fiction features and 5 documentaries) are being digitized at the National Film Archives of India, Pune, under the National Film Heritage Mission of the Hon’ble Prime Minister. MSFDS is also in the process of acquiring 27 Manipuri film negatives from the West Bengal Film Development Corporation.

SNCCAM continues to strengthen its infrastructure. Thirteen antique but functional celluloid film equipment pieces are under acquisition from Kala Film Editing Centre, Hyderabad, for the museum’s collection.

Despite its achievements, SNCCAM currently functions without a dedicated staff, relying on volunteers engaged on daily wages. MSFDS has underscored the need for a permanent workforce to manage the archive’s expanding activities and responsibilities.

With this new initiative in digital preservation, MSFDS is determined to save Manipuri cinema’s heritage across formats. The Society calls upon all filmmakers to partner in this mission to ensure their works endure for future generations.