The Cine Artists and Technicians Association (CATA) today announced that it will observe the 90th birth anniversary of SN Chand, the father of Manipuri cinema, on August 8 at MSFDS, Palace Gate, Imphal. The event, SN Chand Ningshing Thouram, will honour 20 veteran film pioneers and feature a special screening of Chand’s landmark film Brojendragee Luhongba.
Speaking at the press meet, CATA President Huidrom Nimai Meitei said the programme is being held to celebrate Chand’s lasting impact on Manipuri cinema and revive a tradition of recognising pioneers of the industry.
“SN Chand’s first film, Brojendragee Luhongba, remains the foundation stone of Manipuri cinema. Without his pioneering work, Manipuri films may not have reached the progress we see today. This programme honours his legacy and aims to inspire a new wave of filmmakers,” Nimai said.
The SN Chand Ningshing Mana (Lifetime Achievement Award), first introduced in 2006 and discontinued after 2011, is being revived this year in collaboration with MSFDS. The award will be presented to veteran producer Thoudam Doren, acclaimed for films like Sana Keithel and Eche Shakhi, for his outstanding contributions to Manipuri cinema.
SN Chand: The Pioneer of Manipuri Cinema
Born in 1935 at Singjamei Mayengbam Leikai, Imphal West, Sapam Nodia Chand (SN Chand) began his artistic journey in Hindustani classical music and theatre before turning to films. In 1972, he directed Brojendragee Luhongba, adapted from Dr. Lamabam Kamal’s short story — the first Manipuri feature film and a cultural milestone. He later directed Ngak-ei-ko Nangse (1974) and contributed to Khutthang Lamjel (1979), cementing his place as the pioneer of Manipuri cinema.
A screening of Brojendragee Luhongba will be held during the programme to introduce Chand’s work to younger audiences and reflect on the roots of Manipuri cinema.
Concluding the briefing, Nimai appealed to the public:
“This programme is not just for film professionals but for every Manipuri cinema lover. Please join us and support this effort — our films are lagging behind today, and it is only through collective love and support that we can revive the glory of Manipuri cinema.”
CATA General Secretary Naoroibam Bishwajit, Vice President G. Ranjit Sharma, former President Gyanaranjan, and MSFDS Secretary B. Sunzu Sharma were also present at the press briefing.
