By OUR STAFF REPORTER
GOA, 22 Nov: At the 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the Uttarakhand Film Development Council participated in the Film Bazaar in Goa. As part of the event, a session was held under the Knowledge Series to discuss the newly launched Film Policy 2024 by the Uttarakhand state government. The session was titled ‘Building Film-Friendly Uttarakhand – Initiatives, Incentives, and the Role of Stakeholders.’
During the discussion, actor and director Anant Mahadevan Narayan praised the simplified shooting process in Uttarakhand. He shared his experience of shooting in the state, from obtaining shooting permissions to completing the shoot, and commended the local support he received. He mentioned that just a month ago, he shot his film ‘Past Tense’ in Uttarakhand, starring Paresh Rawal, Aditya Rawal, Adil Hussain. Tanishtha Chatterjee, Sharib Hashmi and others. He suggested that the state government develop a digital app for shooting locations, which would help in promoting Uttarakhand’s film-friendly spots.
Actor Amit Sial shared his experience of shooting the film ‘Tikdam’ in the town of Khurpatal, Nainital district, and praised the warm and hospitable nature of the people of Uttarakhand. He expressed his desire to shoot again in Uttarakhand whenever the opportunity arises.
He also lauded the state’s new film policy, calling it highly attractive and encouraging other filmmakers and directors to consider Uttarakhand as a shooting destination.
Actress Shruti Panwar spoke about her first shooting experience in Dehradun and emphasized how the state government is promoting national and international-level films through the new film policy. She described Uttarakhand as, “No less than Switzerland,” highlighting the state’s excellent shooting locations and the full support provided by the state government. She also appreciated Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s efforts in implementing the new film policy, calling it an important step for the future of the film industry in Uttarakhand.
Australian filmmaker Anupam Sharma mentioned his upcoming biopic on the famous country singer Bobby Cash, in which half of the film will be shot in Uttarakhand. He expressed that this will bring international recognition to Uttarakhand. He praised the efforts of the state government and particularly the work being done by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for the film industry.
Dr Nitin Upadhyay, Joint CEO and Nodal Officer of the Uttarakhand Film Development Council, provided detailed insights into the Uttarakhand Film Policy 2024. He explained that the new policy has been designed in line with the vision of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, focusing on the 3T principle— Talent, Technology, and Training. Dr Upadhyay shared that the state is already working on creating a location and resource directory. Additionally, a national website is being developed under the Indian Cine Hub initiative to showcase Uttarakhand’s shooting locations and resources. He emphasized the importance of developing the local film industry and generating employment opportunities related to films at the local level.
The session was conducted by Senior IRS Officer and Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Bhopal, Maya Maheshwari.
On this occasion, Dr Nitin Upadhyay presented mementos to the dignitaries present on the stage.
The event was attended by film producers and directors like Shalini Shah from Nainital, actor and senior journalist Satish Sharma, film producer Om Prakash Bhatt, senior officials from NFDC, and representatives from other states participating in the Film Bazaar.
