The proposed construction of the Centre for Culture and Moving Images at Tungou (Ringui), Ukhrul District, Manipur remains an empty 14 acres of land. Manipur Tribal Development Corporation LTD (a Government of Manipur Undertaking), the detailed estimate as per DSR 2021 is Rs. 138,83,37,670/- (Rupees one hundred thirty eight crores eighty three lakhs thirty seven thousand six hundred and seventy).
The foundation stone for construction of the “Centre for Culture And Moving Images” at Tungou (Ringui) was laid by the then Minister of Art and Culture, L Jayantakumar Singh on 4 February 2020 in the presence of Khashim Vashum Hon’ble MLA 45-Chingai and Prof. Nilotpal Majumdar, the then Director of Manipur State Film and Television Institute. However, till date, the people are yet to see the structure of the long awaited project.
Headman of Ringui Village, Wungmaten A Shimray narrated that “in 2019, Ringui Village being interested in cinema/film and ardent promoter of art and culture, the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur has approached the village for allotment of land for the construction of “Film City. The Ringui Village Authority including individual land owners readily provided 14 acres of land for the said project. We received an order for construction of the “Centre for Culture And Moving Images” at Tungou (Ringui). Accordingly, on 4 February 2020, the foundation stone for construction of the project was laid. The foundation stone laying programme was attended by leaders and elders from the neighbouring villages.”
“Six years have passed, the only visible work we can see is the fencing work. The Government has neglected the development project. We have repeatedly approached the concerned authority. Once again, we appealed the concerned authority to kindly materialize the project” added Wungmaten A Shimray.
“The villagers of Ringui started engaging in the film industry in 1990. The first film from Ringui was “Nawui Tuingashit” stated Wungkathing Makang, Tangkhul film director and producer. “Around 60 films have been produced by Tungou till date. My production house “M-Series” alone has produced around 40 films. I appreciate the recognition given to Ringui in the field of art and culture. I have complete faith that the project “Centre for Culture And Moving Images at Ringui” will become a reality. I have been waiting for it for a long time” added Wungkathing Makang.
Fame Tangkhul actor, popularly known as Ameipam (Chihansing Zimik) by the masses stated that “this project will surely come about, and with that belief, I have shifted near this location (where the project is planned).”
Ringui holds a distinct place in regional media history for spearheading early Tangkhul- language film productions. The village focused on taking rich cultural asset pools and traditional practices into modern theater and films.
