Kathmandu, July 23: Minister for Information and Communications, Dr Bikram Timilsina, has said government would adopt policy measures to develop Nepali films as industry and provide recognition accordingly.
During a discussion held with filmmakers at Ministry on Thursday, the Minister made it clear that the government was positive towards developing film as an industry, linking it to creative and economic activities. The event dwelt on development and promotion of film sector and associated problems.
Film director and member of the Film Censor Board, Manoj Pandit, general secretary of the Nepal Film Producers Association, Khagendra Lamichhane, director and producer Nischal Basnet and producer and cinematographer Shailendra Dhoj Karki were present in the discussion. The participants furnished suggestions on how the existing problems of the Nepali film sector could be resolved. The issues as security of investment, reduction of production costs, expansion of international market, and State facilities and film-friendly policy were also discussed.
The filmmakers urged the government to provide easy access to concessions, incentives and other services if the film sector was to be developed as an industry. Such decision would play an important role for long-term development, investment expansion and commercial stability of the Nepali film industry. Recognition to film sector as industry would help generate huge revenue, according to them.
In response to filmmakers’ opinions and suggestions, Minister Dr Timilsina vowed timely policy by coordinating with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and the Ministry of Finance so that the film sector could be recognized as the industry. Decisions on it would be taken after thorough discussion and collaboration among the concerned ministries.
The Nepali cinema will be developed as a creative industry so that it would promote language and culture, thereby contributing to the national economy in addition to being a medium of entertainment. Initiatives would be taken also to establish film as an industrial product and exportable service, the Minister said, hoping that it would contribute positively to expand international market, earn foreign currency, create jobs and finally contribute to the national economy.
He also shared government’s plan of managing concessional loans for film production. “Film is an important means to promote art, language, culture and national identity, which will be instrumental in bolstering Nepal’s image at international level and increasing revenue,” the Minister reminded.
Dr Timilsina also informed the discussants that work procedure relating to film grants would be prepared at the earliest. For it, suggestions from film workers and stakeholders are welcomed, according to the Minister for Information and Communications. He reiterated that the Ministry is always for promoting dialogue and cooperation with the film sector and bringing relevant policy reforms with priority. #nepal #rss
