Press Release 17 March 2012
The Animation Workshop held at the Manipur Film Development Corporation Complex in Imphal, in Manipur, over the past three weeks concluded today with a Valedictory Function at 5.30pm. The Chief Guest was Shri R.K. Nimai Singh IAS (the Commissioner of Art and Culture, Manipur). Certificates were presented to the participants of the workshop that volunteered their time to begin production of a short animated folktale from their state.
The welcome address and Key Note was given by Dr. R.K. Joykumar Singh, artist, animation expert and local coordinator. Dr. Joykumar gave a brief history of animation and he observed the magic of the dynamic artwork. Dr. R.K. Nimai Singh went on to say that as the participants were young – between the ages of 20-30, they could expect a long life in production. He further encouraged the group by speaking of his hope for animation done in Manipur to receive national and international exposure.
Tara Douglas gave an audio visual presentation, sharing the activities of the workshop with the visitors.
She reminded the audience that the objective of the workshop had been to explore Manipuri culture through the medium of animation as an alternative approach to the focus on commercial production prevalent in India. She also mentioned a tendency these days to see animation in terms of the software used to create it, revealing her thought that it would be great if the team maintain their own folk art style in the short film.
Tara Douglas gave an audio visual presentation, sharing the activities of the workshop with the visitors.
She reminded the audience that the objective of the workshop had been to explore Manipuri culture through the medium of animation as an alternative approach to the focus on commercial production prevalent in India. She also mentioned a tendency these days to see animation in terms of the software used to create it, revealing her thought that it would be great if the team maintain their own folk art style in the short film.
The President of the Manipur Film Development Corporation, Dr K. Sobita Devi spoke of her enthusiasm for this first workshop initiative, also mentioning that support would be found for the completion of the film and for future projects to promote animation in Manipur.
The highlight of the event was the screening of the animated promo for the short film “Tapta”. The promo is available here.
The Animation Workshop in Manipur was supported by the Government Department of Art and Culture (Manipur), the Manipur Film Development Corporation, the Adivasi Arts Trust and the Bryan Guinness Charitable Trust.
The Animation Workshop in Manipur was supported by the Government Department of Art and Culture (Manipur), the Manipur Film Development Corporation, the Adivasi Arts Trust and the Bryan Guinness Charitable Trust.
These initiatives are a fabulous way to preserve oral traditions. That the first benefit, straight off the bat. But more importantly, it is an important platform to create a bridge between local communities that are aware and enthusiastic, but somewhat limited by opportunities at a local level, and the outside world. This can only strengthen bonds and better define how each unique and wonderful local culture fits in in a wider world that is constantly evolving and changing.
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