Anurag Thakur, Minister of Information, Broadcasting, Sports, and Youth Affairs, unveiled a plethora of steps to advance India as a filming venue for international movies.
The minister, who is committed to making India a major global content providers hub, declared a monetary incentive program for audio-visual co-production and filming of international movies in India, worth up to $260,000.
In his statement at the launching of the Indian star-studded Pavilion at the Marche du Cannes on Wednesday in the French Riviera, the minister stated that movie units employing 15% or more Indian manpower will earn an extra 5%, limited to a total of Rs 50 lakh ($65,000).
The minister said referencing Shashi Kapoor’s famous phrase from the blockbuster ‘Deewar’, (Hamare paas the sirf film industry nahi, hamare paas cine-maa hai!)We don’t only have the film industry, we have cinemas.This year, India wants to show the world India’s cinematic quality, superior technology, rich culture, and illustrious narrative legacy,” he said.
The launch of the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 1st poster, with the motto “Celebrate the Joy of Cinema,” was the highlight of the opening, which opened with a performance by Rajasthani folk singer Mame Khan. From November 20 to November 28, 2022, the festival will take place in Goa.
According to the minister, “Indian filmmakers are using technology to innovate in the art of narrative while maintaining our ancient stories. The Indian cinema industry is the world’s biggest, producing about 2,000 movies each year.”
And, to ensure that this creative force does not fade away, the minister made another significant official statement. “The National Film Heritage Mission has begun the world’s largest cinema restoration project. 2,200 films from various languages will be recovered as part of this initiative.”