SHILLONG: Simmering tensions surfaced in the film makers’ fraternity following the RTI report stating that the state Government had funded Rs 2.2 core for the Bollywood movie, Rock On 2.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, the Meghalaya Film Makers’ Association expressed dismay over the attitude of the Government, Commander Shangpliang said, “The State Government should have looked for the welfare of the local film makers and if the Government claims that investment on the Bollywood movie was to promote tourism, then it should allow us to do the same.” “The state Government should assist the local film makers by screening Khasi movies only in specific Khasi movie halls,” he said. The association has called for a change of policies by the government, Shangpliang said, “In the memorandum to the Chief Secretary, we had stated that we had requested the state Government to provide lump sum subsidy on local film produced to encourage and motivate film makers as the filmmakers are not making profit from the release of the film due to limited viewership.”
The association expressed doubt over the Government’s claim that investment in the movie is to give a fillip to the tourist industry and stated that that they too play a role in promoting tourists spots.
“When we shoot at Ward’s lake or any other tourist spot, we have to shell out from our own pocket, whereas it’s a different case with Rock on 2 as the Government bears their expenses,” he said.
Simi Khongthiang, member of the association and director of renowned Jaintia film Da Theh Lut, said that the association will give one month time to the state government to come with a satisfactory answer as to its investment or the movie will face a ban, to which Shangpliang added, that is a decision we will take along with other members of the association.”
On further asking them whether the state Government is interested in promoting film making, Shangplinag replied in the negative.
