In what could be a big move ahead for the Indian film industry and filmmakers gunning for international awards, the I&B ministry has proposed a dedicated fund for helping filmmakers take their films to festivals like Cannes, Venice and even Oscars. If the plan fructifies, an Indian film competing for Oscars may get as much as Rs 1 crore, while films in contention for awards in Cannes or Venice may get up to Rs 50 lakhs.
But that’s not all. To further promote India as a major hub for film production and shooting, the ministry has also approached the Home and External Affairs ministries to set up a special visa category for foreign filmmakers who want to scout for shooting spots in the country.
Speaking about the ministry’s efforts, MoS for I&B, Rajyavardhan Rathore said, “A proposal has been readied to provide support to filmmakers who send their films to major international film festivals.” He further added, “If Indian movies win more international awards, it will help in providing a boost to the country’s entertainment industry globally.”
Officials with the ministry also informed, that to further make sure that the proposal is properly implemented, a committee may be formed to look at aspects related to its implementation. However, as of now, the proposal would need a cabinet nod before it’s put into effect, they added.
While this latest development seems to augur good times ahead for filmmakers more focussed on the awards segment, we spoke to a few noted filmmakers to get their reaction on the I&B ministry’s efforts.
Rahul Dholakia (Raees): I think it is great to support films that are aiming for awards like the Oscars. However, what is equally important is that only the best films get that chance. To ensure that you need a committee that understands international cinema. Another thing is that to perform well at such international festivals, films need to be bold. So is the I&B ministry willing to scrap the censor board to ensure this?
Raja Menon (Airlift): Any support is fantastic. But I think, more than for festivals like Cannes, Venice or Berlin, you need it for the Oscars. The other festivals don’t need much money to compete in, but for the Oscars you certainly need money and support to lobby for your film. So if good films need money to compete for awards, then the ministry should help. But that said, it certainly is a good move for the film industry.
Vipul Shah (Namaste London): It’s a very good step and is in the right direction. The only caveat is that the jury that selects the films has to be unbiased. We have had instances of the High Court intervening in decisions made by the jury. But if the jury and the selection process is free and fair then this step will yield great results.
Omung Kumar (Sarbjit): This is a fabulous move. It is not easy to take our films to such big festivals. Winning is another matter altogether but gaining an entry into such reputed festivals itself is a huge thing, especially for small films. Such films definitely need a push from the government and I am elated that the government is doing just that to ensure our films have support in the international platform.
Kunal Kohli (Hum Tum, Fanaa): It’s a great move, especially for small films that don’t have the budget to even take their films to such festivals even if they are selected. I am really proud of our government for taking such steps for the film fraternity. It’s a commendable move and it deserves applause.
