WB Govt: One Bengali Film Daily In Each Hall, Year A Must
The move also comes in wake of a series of attacks on Bengali-speaking people outside the state, mainly in the BJP-ruled ones, on the suspicion of being Bangladeshi infiltrators and ahead of the Assembly Election in Bengal: Reports
KOLKATA: To promote Bangaliana in the entertainment business on its soil, the Mamata Banerjee government on Wednesday made daily screening of Bengali films mandatory, at least one show in prime time, in each and every cinema hall in West Bengal throughout the year.
The move also comes in wake of a series of attacks on Bengali-speaking people outside the state, mainly in the BJP-ruled ones, on the suspicion of being Bangladeshi infiltrators and ahead of the Assembly Election in Bengal.
In a notification, the information and cultural affairs department stated, “In suppression of previous Notification No.3523-ICA(N) dated 14th September 2018, in order to encourage the Bengali Film Industry, the issue of mandatory screening of Bengali films by Cinema Halls/Multiplexes of this State was under the active consideration of the State Government.”
It elaborated, “Now, after careful consideration of all aspects of the matter, and in exercise of the power conferred by sub-section (3) of section 5 of the West Bengal Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1954 the Governor is hereby pleased to issue the following direction to all licensees of the State. In every Cinema Hall, and in all screens (each screen) of every Multiplex situated in this State, 365 (Three hundred and sixty-five) prime time shows/screenings of Bengali films shall mandatorily be held throughout the year with at least one Bengali show per day for all 365 days during the year. Explanation: Prime time shows shall mean shows held between 3:00 PM to 9.00 PM."
The notification added, “Necessary amendment to the West Bengal Cinemas (Regulation of Public Exhibitions) Rules, 1956 will be made in due course. This order shall come into immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders.”
