By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Film Makers’ Association has asked the State Government to consider total exemption of entertainment tax on local films as has been extended to films screened in Dreamland Arcade Cinema Hall, Shillong.
The Association placed the demand during a meeting of a delegation of filmmakers with Chief Secretary WMS Pariat here on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the Association said that the Government must consider total exemption of entertainment tax as local films are screened only in Meghalaya and catering to a limited audience due to which the profit margin is very less as compared to films released on a national level.
Reiterating that with the coming up of satellite film screening, local film producers are facing setbacks in getting theatres to screen their films, the Association has asked for permission to construct a temporary hall on the top floor of the Anjalee Parking Lot with a capacity of 300 seats.
They also asked the Government to allot cinema halls dedicated exclusively for screening of local films, both in the state capital and also in all the district headquarters.
The Association also expressed its willingness to build a film city and asked the State Government to allot land for the purpose possibly in New Shillong Township.
During the meeting, the filmmakers sought the intervention of the Chief Secretary for issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for screening of local movies in Shillong since the district administration was not issuing NOC for screening of local films on the basis of the fact that the State lacks a Censor Board.
Later, while speaking to media persons, president of the Association, Commander Shangpliang, said that the Chief Secretary has assured of looking into their grievances.
“The Chief Secretary has informed us that the Government is keen on allowing screening of local movies before issuing the NOC,” he said.
Meanwhile, when asked to comment on the NOC issue, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal said that NOC were stopped since certain concerns were raised by sections of the society and even the police about the use of obscene language at times in certain local movies, adding that the matter has been taken up with the Directorate of Information and Public Relations.