Prashant Sajanikar made a significant announcement at the Pune International Film Festival on Saturday. He revealed concrete steps to support filmmakers across Maharashtra.
Free Locations and Rental Concessions
The Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation has identified 150 shooting locations. Filmmakers can use these spots without any cost. This move aims to reduce production expenses significantly.
Additionally, the government is offering a 50 percent rental concession. This discount applies to various filming facilities. It specifically targets Marathi films and television series to encourage local content creation.
Simplifying Permissions and Reducing Red Tape
Sajanikar emphasized the introduction of a single-window permission system. This new process is designed for new filmmakers. It streamlines bureaucratic hurdles and cuts down on delays.
"Our focus is building a filmmaker-friendly ecosystem," Sajanikar stated clearly. He spoke during a session titled 'Film Ecosystem' on the third day of PIFF. The session saw active participation from industry veterans.
Expanding Infrastructure and Support
Work is currently underway to develop new film cities in Nagpur and Nashik. These projects will expand filming infrastructure beyond Mumbai. They aim to decentralize film production activities.
Grants for Marathi feature films have received a boost. The increased funding particularly benefits rural cinema development. Films selected at international festivals will now receive double the grant amount.
Educational Initiatives and Theatre Expansion
Sajanikar also highlighted educational programs. Youth-oriented film and television courses are part of the plan. The government intends to increase the number of theatres across the state.
"Maharashtra has a strong cinematic legacy," Sajanikar noted. He stressed the importance of supporting both urban and rural cinema. The goal is ensuring good films reach audiences everywhere.
Industry Leaders Share Perspectives
PIFF Director Jabbar Patel shared his views during the same session. He called for government support in adapting to new formats like OTT and VR platforms.
Patel emphasized that funding should not restrict creativity. He suggested selecting strong ideas from submitted synopses. This approach could nurture meaningful cinema rooted in real-life stories.
"Workshops are essential to guide this journey," Patel asserted. He stressed the importance of genuine research for biographical films. With visionary idea selection, Indian films can shine on global platforms.
The session was moderated by film director Dr Santosh Pathare. Several filmmakers attended the discussion, showing industry-wide interest in these developments.
