MSFDS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Conferred to Sr. Arambam Lokendra
ART & CULTURE
Imphal: Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) is honoured to confer the Lifetime Achievement Award upon Shri Dr. Arambam Lokendra, a pioneering figure in the world of Manipuri cinema, whose enduring contributions as Screenplay writer, Actor, Filmmaker and film academician have left an indelible mark on the aesthetics and craft of filmmaking in Manipur.
Shri Dr. Arambam Lokendra
Still from first Manipuri Feature film Matamgi Manipuri in which Dr. Arambam Lokendra wrote the Screenplay adapting it from Tirtha Jatra a stage play by Aryan Theatre and acted in it.
Arambam Lokendra Singh was a key crew member in the realisation of Matamgi Manipur, the first Manipuri feature film, playing a pivotal role in adapting, screenplay-writing, and translating the script "Tirtha Jatra", the stage play of Aryan Theatre to the cinematic idioms when there were no ideas about the nuances of filmmaking in Manipur. It was a creative, labourious, innovative process. Acting in the film was a bonus, and the screen presence was just a part of the reflection of his intimate involvement in the film.
Still from first Manipuri Feature film Matamgi Manipuri in which Dr. Arambam Lokendra wrote the Screenplay adapting it from Tirtha Jatra a stage play by Aryan Theatre and acted in it
A pioneer of alternative theatre in Manipur, Dr. Arambam's work under the banner of Aryan Theatre and Forum for Laboratory Theatres have fearlessly confronted political violence, poverty, and ethnic identity through performance. His documentary on the seminal play "Pebet"(1985) introduced Manipuri non-feature film at the Indian Panorama section of Indian Cinema, considered the window to the best of Indian films. His research on Manipur's ritual traditions, supported by the Ford Foundation have preserved the soul of our performing arts. He was also involved in dubbing a Hindi language feature film into Manipuri language, rechristened it as “Umanggi Mee”. In 2003, he produced an explosive documentary film on the Meira Paibee of Manipur, 'Soldiers in Sarong’ for Ford Foundation, USA. As a retired professor and former head of Manipur University's Audio-Visual Research Centre, his legacy bridges academia and activism, making him a deserving candidate for this honor.
Still from first Manipuri Feature film Matamgi Manipuri which Dr. Arambam Lokendra wrote the Screenplay adapting it from Tirtha Jatra a stage play by Aryan Theatre
What makes Arambam unique is his continuous contribution to the growth and academic enrichment of Manipuri Cinema since its inception, where many, under him, have benefited intellectually, aesthetically, and academically. A visionary cultural activist, his insightful and scholarly approach has shaped the discourse around Manipuri films beyond entertainment. His tireless efforts in mentoring and training generations of young filmmakers and film enthusiasts through various workshops and lectures have borne fruit, as many of his students have today become the leading voices of Manipuri cinema at both national and international platforms. His passion, vision, and selfless contribution have laid the intellectual foundation on which the present and future of Manipuri cinema securely stand.
Dr. Arambam Lokendra receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award during the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Manipuri Cinema 2021
Born in 1939, Dr. Arambam Lokendra turns 86 this year. His life and work remain an enduring inspiration to the creative community. MSFDS salutes his artistic journey and invaluable contribution with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
MSFDS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
List of past recipients
