By PRIYANKA RAWAT
DEHRADUN, 30 Nov: The 12th session of the Crime Literature Festival, held in Dehradun, explored the theme “Devbhoomi Uttarakhand: Film Nirman Ke Liye Swarg” (Uttarakhand: A Paradise for Filmmaking). The panel featured acclaimed filmmaker Prakash Jha, IAS officer Banshidhar Tiwari (Director General, DIPR, and CEO, Uttarakhand Film Development Council), with senior journalist and actor Satish Sharma moderating the discussion.
Banshidhar Tiwari highlighted the state’s new Film Policy designed to attract filmmakers and simplify shooting processes in the region. When asked by Satish Sharma about his views on these policies, Prakash Jha lauded Uttarakhand’s unique subsidy of ₹3 crore for film projects but also pointed out challenges faced during shoots in hilly terrains.
Responding to Jha’s concerns, Tiwari assured him of the government’s efforts to address these issues and emphasized the state’s unmatched beauty and logistical support for filmmakers. He extended a personal invitation to Jha to consider Uttarakhand for his upcoming projects, a sentiment echoed by Sharma, who reiterated the state’s readiness to welcome filmmakers.
Sharma also informed Jha about Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s vision to make Uttarakhand a film-friendly state, which delighted the filmmaker. Jha expressed his intention to plan shoots in Uttarakhand, stating that such initiatives could attract more producers to the region.
The session concluded with Sharma sharing his dream of seeing Uttarakhand gain global recognition through a landmark film, irrespective of the language, that highlights the state’s scenic and cultural richness.
