India and Colombia Sign Landmark Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement to Boost Film Collaboration

New Delhi: In a major step towards enhancing cultural and creative collaboration, India and Colombia have signed the Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement, providing a new platform for filmmakers from both nations to collaborate on various aspects of film production. The agreement was signed by Dr. L. Murugan, Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, and His Excellency Jorge Enrique Rojas Rodriguez, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia, marking a significant moment in bilateral relations between the two countries.

This agreement makes Colombia the 17th country to enter into an audio-visual co-production arrangement with India. The deal is expected to benefit filmmakers in pooling artistic, technical, and financial resources, leading to more collaborative film production efforts. It also highlights the growing cultural ties between India and Colombia, fostering a deeper exchange of art and culture between the two nations.

Dr. L. Murugan emphasized the importance of the agreement in strengthening cultural and cooperative ties between India and Colombia. “India has enjoyed a rich cultural exchange with Colombia over the years, and this agreement opens a new chapter of collaboration. It will provide opportunities for showcasing India’s soft power and generate employment across the artistic and technical sectors involved in film production, including post-production and marketing,” the Minister said.

The agreement will not only facilitate creative partnerships but also position India as a prime destination for international film shoots. It is expected to increase visibility for Indian film locations globally, bring in foreign investments, and boost the export of Indian films to Colombia.

India has a long history of signing similar agreements with various countries to promote cross-border film production. Earlier agreements have been made with Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, France, New Zealand, Spain, Canada, China, South Korea, Bangladesh, and Australia, among others. These partnerships have helped filmmakers access benefits like government financial support, tax concessions, and inclusion in domestic television broadcast quotas.

The Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement will also unlock financial incentives for filmmakers from both countries. Indian filmmakers, for instance, can avail up to 30% reimbursement of production costs incurred in India, with additional bonuses available for showcasing Indian content and employing local manpower.

In his remarks, the Secretary of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting outlined India’s growing role as a global platform for cinema and media. He announced that starting from November 20, India will host the prestigious International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, showcasing films from across the world. Additionally, in February 2025, India will host the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), which will bring together leaders from the worlds of broadcasting, cinema, and new media.