Ladakhi filmmakers complain about lack of funds

Ladakhi filmmakers today said they are keen to take their films to the audience across the world but financial crunch and lack of support from local government is hindering them in making quality films.
The Ladakh film industry has been operating since 10-12 years and has churned out 60 films so far but funds continues to be a big problem, local directors said during a conversation with Hanah Fisher, co-founder of South Asian Film Festival.
Fisher, who is attending the second edition of Ladakh International Film Festival here, said the budding directors should seek help from institutions like National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in marketing their films and finding producers.

Jinget Angchuk, President of Ladakh Film Industry, said that though a certain amount is kept for culture and art department by the local government, the filmmakers are yet to receive any financial aid.
"There is an auditorium here called Sindhu Kala Kendra where we can show our films but we have to pay Rs 25,000-30,000 per day. This is a huge amount for us. There is another government auditorium where we have to give Rs 800 for the day but its condition is not very good. We don't charge much for tickets, it's Rs 60 only," Angchuk said.
With lack of proper cinema houses in Ladakh, filmmakers said they screen their films by travelling from village to village.

"We are new so we need help. We struggle a lot and arrange funds on our own. We receive no help from local government," filmmaker Tashi Dawa said.
"We go to villages and show our films at community halls through projector. People here are interested in watching films, Ladakhi as well as Bollywood films," Dawa added.