Promotional funds to India's entry to Oscars, other festivals

Under a new initiative, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has announced film promotion fund to India's official entry to Academy Awards under foreign film category and also to the movies which are officially selected in major international festivals.

The announcement was made I&B minister M Venkaiah Naidu here today at the press conference of 47th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

The financial assistance would be provided to the filmmakers for promotion of their films at the international film festivals across the world.

The proposed fund value for films being selected to represent India at Oscars is Rs 50,00,000/- to Rs 1,00,00,000.
 

The maximum amount for a filmmaker for the competition section of Cannes film festival is Rs 20,00,000 while in Un Certain Regard and Director's Fortnight the amount would be Rs 15,00,000 each.

If a filmmaker makes it to the 'In Competition' section of Venice film festival, the amount would be to the tune of Rs 15,00,000.

For Toronto International Film Festival and Busan's new currents section the value is Rs 10,00,000. For the window of Asian Cinema section of Busan International Film Festival and Locarno International Film Festival the amount is Rs 7,50,000.

Films going to festival's like Sundance, Rotterdam and Berlin also qualify for the assistance.

The step is a part of Government's efforts towards promotion of Indian cinema in the international arena and especially help the independent filmmaker to promote their work.

The initiative will mainly take care of expenses like engagement of publicist, travel of director, maker and key talent to make appearance at the red carpet and press meets, accommodation, screenings, advertising and networking.

Directorate of Film Festivals has been designated as the nodal agency for implementing this initiative.

The decision for providing the assistance would be based on recommendations of a panel of experts constituted by the government.