Govt. ready to develop film sector: Minister Dr Timilsina

Kathmandu: Minister for Information and Communications, Dr Bikram Timilsina, has asserted that the government is sensitive towards problems, challenges and expectations of the Nepali film industry.

Addressing the 26th anniversary ceremony of the Film Development Board, Minister Dr Timilsina mentioned that the government was ready to strengthen the film industry through law, policy and programmes that would address the real necessity of the cinema sector.

He also pointed out that the film development board should play a guardianship role to promote this sector, and urged the board to develop plans by incorporating the views of filmmakers for the coming fiscal year.

Minister Dr Timilsina stated that suggestions from all stakeholders would be collected to make the film bill, which is under consideration in the parliament, timely, practical and in line with the real needs of the film industry.

All should play a role from their respective side to prepare a strong legal document addressing the current needs and aspirations of filmmakers, he viewed.

He also expressed belief that effective laws could be formulated from constant dialogue and cooperation, clarifying that necessary policy and structural reforms could be forwarded by holding discussions with filmmakers.

“The Nepali film industry is in its current situation due to continuous struggle and devotion of filmmakers of the old generation,” the Communications Minister added. He underlined that every sector should win the trust of the people in a democratic system, and the film sector could not remain isolated from this.

Saying the film sector has a significant contribution in different democratic movements in Nepal, Minister Dr Timilsina viewed that this sector should work as per the citizens’ hope. He also requested the filmmakers to make the culture of healthy competition, cooperation and collaboration strong to make the film industry more capable economically.

Similarly, Communications Secretary Laxmi Kumari Basnet expressed the view that production of quality content, use of modern and advanced technology and effective promotion are needed to make Nepali films competitive in the international market.

Basnet pointed out the need for more cooperation and collaboration between the government, board and private sector to expand universal access to Nepali cinemas.

Likewise, Chairperson of the film development board, Dinesh DC, stressed that all stakeholders should actively give suggestions for the new film bill, which is in the process of drafting.

Expressing the belief that the act that incorporates experience and practical aspects of the film sector would benefit the industry in a long-term manner, he expected constructive suggestions from all sectors.

RSS