Odisha Govt to Unveil Comprehensive Film Policy by March 2024

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to address emerging challenges and enhance the cinematic landscape, the Odisha Government is set to unveil a revamped film policy by March 2024. Principal Secretary of the Industries department, Hemant Sharma, made this announcement during a media briefing, highlighting the need for amendments to the existing Odisha State Film Policy-2019.

The decision stems from extensive discussions with film producers and directors, primarily focusing on challenges related to film exhibition. Stakeholders raised concerns about the diminishing number of cinema halls and presented valuable suggestions to tackle these issues. Sharma noted, “The stakeholders suggested certain improvements which are to be brought into being through the introduction of certain new elements to the existing film policy, thereby helping eliminate exhibition and distribution issues faced by the stakeholders.”

Addressing the decline in the number of single-screen cinema halls, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, the government is contemplating incentives to reverse this trend. Sharma pointed out that around 40 single-screen cinema halls had closed in the last 3 to 4 years, primarily due to the proliferation of multiplexes in urban areas.

“The overarching goal is to simplify the existing policy and introduce new schemes with incentives to promote the production of films in the Odia language. This includes measures to boost distribution networks and encourage the construction of new single-screen cinema halls,” explained the Principal Secretary. He emphasized that discussions with various stakeholders would precede the formulation of the new film policy, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to address the evolving needs of the film industry in Odisha.