KATHMANDU, June 19: Minister for Information and Communications, Dr Bikram Timilsina, has said film industry is not only a means of entertainment but also an expression of society's collective memory and cultural identity.
During his address to the National Film Award and Honour Ceremony, 2083 BS organised at the Office of the President, Sheetal Niwas on Friday, he said, "History alone is not sufficient to understand a nation. Multiple genres of films, culture and social lives also matter, warranting analyses to truly understand the nation, Dr Timilsina added.
"Films are a medium of visualising deeper dimensions of the nation, reflecting the society's psychology and envisioning future potentials," the Minister reminded. He went on to say that art and creations are means of connecting the divided society with a thread of humanitarian relations, co-existence and empathy, for the artists are the personalities with highly sensitive perspectives.
Erosion of Common Memory in the 21st Century
According to him, honouring artists means recognising the society's creative strength and owning cultural existences, adding that at the moment, he realized that not people but the society and culture are being honoured.
The Minister also took time to say that despite adversity, Nepal's film industry has continued to make steady progress, based on the tremendous efforts and contribution of previous generations. He added that the government is committed to introducing a timely and applicable Film Act that addresses the contemporary needs. Stating that the government is sensitive to the issues, challenges and expectations of the film sector, he said it was prepared to address these through continuous discussions and dialogues.
He made it clear that the government is not for commanding and controlling the creative sector. Instead, such efforts are for creating an atmosphere for the development and promotion of this field.
On the occasion, noted actor Madan Krishna Shrestha was honored with the 'Dirgha Sadhana Samman' presented by the Film Development Board.
Likewise, Oonko Sweater (The Woolen Sweater) received the 'Best Film Award', Nabeen Chauhan was honoured as the 'Best Director, Neer Shah as the 'Best Actor', Miruna Magar as the 'Best Actress', Deepak Prasad Acharya and Yama Thapa as the ' Best Writers'. Indira Dhime Maicha received the 'Best Indigenous Film Award'.
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