SHILLONG, March 28: The state government has formulated a film policy but the local filmmakers are not amused.
They are more skeptical than happy for reasons such as meagre allotment of amount, non-consultation with them and the absence of any clear-cut indication on short-term and long-term goals.
“They have formulated a film policy without referring to any filmmaker from the state. We should know what their idea is – if it is about bringing filmmakers from outside and getting them to shoot here instead of encouraging the local filmmakers,” Dominic Megam Sangma, who specialises in documentaries, said.
He said the filmmakers from the state are thinking about promoting the local film industry.
“Who will the government commission to draft this policy? Individual or association/group commissioned to work on the policy must understand the overall process of filmmaking – from the initial idea of filmmaking to distribution, marketing, sales agents, film festival strategies at national and international levels,” he said.
According to him, they must have an understanding of local and international markets, latest film equipment, be it software, cameras, light, sound recording devices, etc. If possible, some members of the policymakers should be film-literate, he added.
Sangma said the film policy must be inclusive of different forms of filmmaking – be it fiction, documentary, animation or short films. Suggesting that good YouTube content-makers should be included, he said the policy should not overlook the importance of artists and technicians.
He said although the allocated Rs 5 crore is a meager amount to develop film production in the state but it gives hope to filmmakers that finally someone is realising the importance of film production.
He insisted the amount is judiciously used and not splurged as on a single documentary on the Garo culture made under the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council by Saidul Khan for Rs 5.8 crore, the production of which should not have crossed Rs 20 lakh.
Well-known filmmaker, Pradeep Kurbah said, “When they made that documentary, why did they not float a tender? If they had done so, the potential filmmakers could have applied and done justice.”
He said unlike most states, Meghalaya does not give funds or incentives to filmmakers for winning national or international awards. He said his film Iewduh had won two national awards but he got nothing from the state government except a tweet by the Chief Minister.
“We want to know how they will spend the Rs 5 crore. They are talking about theatres. Will this amount suffice to build theatres in all districts? Future filmmakers go outside to study and when they return, there is no support from the government. We are talking about the growth of the industry but how will we grow with Rs 5 crore?” Kurbah asked.
“It is mere talk. Technically, if you look at it, I don’t think it is possible to set up the industry they are talking about,” he added.
He suggested the state government take the help of other states which have implemented a film policy or from the National Film Development Corporation and should also involve people who are cinema-literate.
Stating that the world now is digital, he suggested that the government can come up with its own OTT platform to support local films as is being done by Kerala.
“When someone wins cash awards or screening fees for a film or when the film is on an OTT platform or is funded by international agencies, this money directly or indirectly adds to the state exchequer,” Kurbah said.
He said such works should be encouraged by helping the filmmakers financially so that they can promote their films before and after release.
“Ultimately the policy should aim at developing a model that will have self-sustaining local industries by developing audiences for good local films,” he added.
According to the filmmakers, a film policy with a strong vision will guide the filmmakers to a brighter future while a film policy with a myopic vision will lead them to disaster.
They said the policy should be formulated keeping in mind a long-term goal. They said it should be able to bring out better filmmakers, develop the market for good films, create more job opportunities for technicians and create a platform for talented artists and musicians.
They said the target should also be to bring more national and international awards in different categories and the films should travel across the world to different film festivals.
They insisted students, who get admissions in a film institute such as FTII Pune or SRFTI Kolkata should be given scholarships to pursue their career.a