Manipur Filmmakers Urged to Deposit Works with SNCCAM for Preservation
The Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS) has appealed to producers and directors of Manipuri cinema to deposit their films—both video and digital—with the SN Chand Cine Archive & Museum (SNCCAM) so that the state can preserve its cinematic heritage. SNCCAM has expanded from celluloid preservation to digital archiving and now operates a secure online server to store digital films; the archive (named after pioneering director S.N. Chand) was established during the Golden Jubilee of Manipuri cinema and functions as the state’s film vault, conservatory lab, exhibition gallery and museum. Authorities also noted ongoing digitization efforts (132 fragile reels at the National Film Archives of India under the National Film Heritage Mission) and negotiations to acquire 27 film negatives currently with the West Bengal Film Development Corporation.
What is SNCCAM and why is it important?
SNCCAM — the SN Chand Cine Archive & Museum — is the state-run film archive set up by the MSFDS. Named after S.N. Chand (a pioneering filmmaker in Manipur), SNCCAM was established in 2021 during Manipur’s Golden Jubilee of cinema. Since then it has expanded from a focus on celluloid preservation to actively archiving video and digital films, and it now hosts an online server to securely store digital works. Within a short time, SNCCAM has become the state’s designated repository, equipped with a film vault, a conservatory lab, an exhibition gallery, and a screening hall — in short, the whole archival kit.
Think of SNCCAM as a hospital for moving images: it has the cold storage (for fragile reels), the lab (for restoration), and the methods (for digitizing and cataloguing). For Manipuri cinema, SNCCAM is the single place where the state can assemble, protect, and showcase its films.
5 Unique FAQs
Q1: What types of films should filmmakers deposit with SNCCAM?
A1: All types — celluloid reels, digital masters, videotapes, documentaries, shorts, features, and even behind-the-scenes material. The archive wants both professional and amateur works to build a complete record of local cinematic practice.
Q2: Will depositing my film with SNCCAM transfer copyright away from me?
A2: No. Depositing for preservation is not the same as donating copyright. SNCCAM holds preservation copies and access terms are governed by an agreement between the filmmaker and the archive. Always read and negotiate deposit terms.
Q3: How long does digitization or restoration usually take?
A3: It varies — minor digitization can take weeks, major restoration (color correction, audio repair) can take months. Priority is often given to fragile materials or works of high historical importance, especially under national programs like the National Film Heritage Mission.
Q4: Does SNCCAM offer technical help for filmmakers who only have low-quality files?
A4: Archives often offer guidance and sometimes technical assistance or referrals for better transfers. In several cases, national partnerships (e.g., with the National Film Archives) provide hands-on digitization support for fragile or low-quality originals.
Q5: How can citizens help support SNCCAM’s work?
A5: Attend screenings, volunteer at events, share archival stories on social platforms, donate to preservation funds if local campaigns are launched, and encourage educational institutions to collaborate with the archive. Public interest helps archives attract resources.
