New Dawn Meghalaya (NDM), a progressive and socialist collective, has shared its critique and suggestions on the recently proposed Meghalaya Film Policy 2023.
The NDM supports the idea of a dedicated budgetary allocation through the Meghalaya government on an annual basis “with a clear focus on supporting the nascent film industry and increasing the number of films produced in a year.”
It would want the creation of an autonomous and transparent body that can distribute the budgetary allocation in the form of grants-in-aid to the participating parties. It emphasised the need for autonomy, as government interference “should not impede artistic freedom and expression”.
Indeed, apart from funding, NDM is “sceptical about excessive government involvement”, saying that new bureaucracies can stifle individuality and uniqueness, which are so important in filmmaking.
“Therefore, we are resistant to the idea of a Meghalaya Film Development Society staffed by too many government officials. We also believe that dedicated departments for film or television may lead to recurring government expenditure, which should be minimised in these fiscally difficult times,” it said in a press release today.
The NDM has also suggested that most of the grants-in-aid be directed towards locals – 80 percent for local production units and crews and 20 percent for outside the state.
“This would encourage collaboration between local talent and outside talent, as well as impart better skills to our state’s own people,” it said.
Other items pointed out by NDM include the need for (almost) non-profit cinema halls to promote local cinema and apprehension over the costs and need for a film city and film institute.
“We believe that our suggestions, focusing on dedicated budgetary allocation, minimal government involvement, financing component, creation of cinema halls, and cautious approach towards film studios, will contribute to the growth of the film industry in Meghalaya in a sustainable and inclusive manner,” the NDM said.
