Artistes seek reforms in regional film industry to help it grow
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Ranchi: A delegation of local artistes from across the state on Wednesday met the state minister of art and culture, Sudivya Kumar, to press for reforms in the
regional film industry
, particularly
Nagpuri cinema
, and highlighted key demands of local film makers, technicians, and artists.Central to the discussion was the call for mandatory screening of Jharkhandi language films, including Nagpuri, in cinema halls across the state.
Artists emphasised that regional films struggle to find space in commercial theatres.TOI in its Johar Jharkhand special edition recently highlighted the problems faced by the state's local film industry and the need to revive the state's film policy."Currently, only around 15 cinema halls in Jharkhand screen Nagpuri films, and even those rarely run for more than four days. This severely limits audience access to our cultural content and hurts our ability to grow," said Nagpuri singer Vivek Nayak.The delegation, under the banner of Jharkhand Kalakar Andolan Sangharsh Samiti, also strongly advocated for a streamlined and accessible subsidy policy for films in all regional languages. They proposed that the Film Development Council of Jharkhand (FIDCOJ) be reorganised to include individuals with expertise in cinema and deep knowledge of Jharkhand's culture. The artists insisted that the new policy should enable 100% subsidies for regional films to encourage production and sustain the local film economy.Other demands included health insurance for artists and technicians, pensions for artists above the age of 50 or those living with disabilities, the issuance of govt-recognised artist ID cards, and the construction of a govt-funded art centre in Ranchi for free public performances.Responding to the delegation's concerns, the minister on X posted, "I have assured them that their suggestions regarding the
Jharkhand film policy
will be raised at the appropriate forums. The state govt stands with its artists and will take every possible step to support and promote them."The meeting was followed by a peaceful march on Saturday, where over 200 artists from different districts marched from the Press Club to the Firayalal Chowk.
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