The Himachal Pradesh government has given its nod to a comprehensive film policy which would aim to develop the state as a destination for film production. Chief minister Sukhvinder Sukhu recently said that the government intended to give a fillip to the entertainment sector so that employment opportunities were available to local youth, and filmmaking opportunities became available to local talent.
Sukhu also said that the state government would institute annual film awards for films shot at least 50% in the state. The state government, he added, was keen to encourage, under the Kalakar Protsahan Yojna, talented children and youth to join professional courses in performing arts and other related courses at reputed national institutions. The new policy would go a long way in disseminating information about the state’s culture, history, heritage and traditions, and in captivating unexplored places.
The new policy aims to attract additional capital investments through the film industry. A film facilitation cell will be set up in the department of information and public relations, and it will act as a single window for permissions. A film development fund will be created to organise festivals, awards and related activities, under the aegis of the department of information and public relations. In this, the HP Film Development Council will be the guiding force for the department.