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Time of India
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Bengali films to get 50% prime time slots across state theatres'
Kolkata: Fifty percent prime time shows at theatres in Bengal would be dedicated to Bengali films, announced the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI) on social media on Friday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The post, FCTWEI mentioned, was in "response to those critics who said the Federation does nothing for the Bengali industry and instead halts film production". According to the post, FCTWEI, Eastern India Motion Pictures Association (EIMPA) and various production companies took the initiative to ensure Bengali films received prime time slots at all theatres in Bengal. "The effort was successful," the post stated, thanking chief minister Mamata Banerjee, minister Aroop Biswas, all theatre owners, distributors and exhibitors. FCTWEI president Swarup Biswas told TOI technicians were the architects of Bengali cinema. "It is the federation's responsibility to ensure Bengali cinema runs properly and reaches viewers. A bill was passed some years ago that mandated 120 shows for Bengali films a year. But sometimes, shows were allotted at noon, when very few turned up. At Thursday's meeting, it was decided to give 50% shows to Bengali cinema during prime time. This is in addition to the existing mandate of giving 120 shows to Bengali films a year. This will be applicable to both single screens and multiplexes in Bengal," Biswas said. Asked if there was any directive for the prime time screening of Bengali independent cinemas, Biswas said it would be exhibitors' prerogative. "We are interested in screening Bengali cinema. Nothing has been decided on which kind of movies will get prime time shows. Another important decision is regarding the release of movies on seven to eight prime time festival days—Durga Puja, Eid, Christmas, Nababarsha and I-Day. A committee is formed to ensure big production houses do not release their films together on these days so that distributors and exhibitors don't face release clash," Biswas added.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
30% pay hike for Tollywood technicians
Kolkata: After three years, producers of Bengali serials have agreed to give Tollywood technicians a substantial pay hike. The agreement between producers and the Federation of Cine Technicians & Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI) has provided considerable relief to Tollywood's foot soldiers. However, several other key areas require attention in order to enhance the work culture in the industry, not just for serials but for films as well. Swarup Biswas, president of FCTWEI, told the media on Monday that at least seven producers of serials from Bengal are currently working in Mumbai. Efforts are ongoing to bring their shooting locations back to Bengal. Discussions are underway with channel heads to increase the number of slots for serials in the afternoon. Additionally, there are attempts to attract more Bollywood and international film shoots to Bengal. According to many Kolkata-based technicians working across various formats, increasing work within the Tollywood industry is vital for its sustainability. They also highlighted the importance of addressing other neglected issues. There is a strong sentiment that Tollywood must develop a culture of giving due credits. Screenplay writers and lyricists continue to be disappointed by the omission of their names. Editors of documentaries face resistance when raising the matter of co-writers' credit. "While editing documentaries, I have to go through hours and hours of footage and select every single shot to give it a structure. There is no script and quite often the director remains absent from the editing process. So practically I have to write a script at the editing table to create the desired emotional or intellectual impact. Barring a few, many directors are reluctant to give me the 'writer' credit," said editor Sankhajit Biswas. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Kolkata-based author and screenwriter Samragnee Bandyopadhyay, recognised for writing shows such as 'Lojja', 'Noshtoneer', 'Uttoron', and the screenplay of 'Grihapravesh', told TOI that the issue of missing names and stolen credits needs urgent action for overall improvement. Divyi Nidhi Sharma, the writer of 'Sitare Zameen Par', recently wrote an appreciation post thanking the film's director and Aamir Khan for including and highlighting her name. Bandyopadhyay commented, "I agree with Divyi when he says: 'We are the first ones to imagine everything that plays on screen. We are the original dreamers. But even while dreaming we know a nightmare is on its way'. I hope a day will come when no screenwriters need to write appreciative posts for what is their due." In a separate incident, Bandyopadhyay wrote the lyrics for a serial's song and discovered her name had been omitted from the credits. "When I asked the composer, he casually said it was a case of forgetfulness. If we want an industry to improve, we need stakeholders to eliminate this amnesia. Pay hikes are important, but so is proper acknowledgement. Directors, channel officials and producers have to respect our work and insist on giving our names," she said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Protect Tolly directors' right to profession: HC
Kolkata: The Information and Cultural Affairs (INCA) department's secretary was directed by the on Monday to ensure that the "right to life and business, trade and profession" of the directors is not interfered with. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now If required, the secretary should take help from a jurisdictional police station to ensure the same. In case of any interference or difficulty faced by the directors, they have been asked to report to the secretary, who would take immediate remedial steps. Justice Amrita Sinha gave this order in response to multiple contempt cases filed by a group of . They alleged that despite the court's order on April 3, the (FCTWEI) continued to interfere. One of the directors' advocates submitted, "After the order passed in the writ petition, the situation has become worse. Because of the litigations, there is a vindictive attitude shown towards us. Messages are being flooded on WhatsApp groups and elsewhere. People are making statements that this order has no binding effect. They are not going to listen to this order. Now the situation is even worse." Meanwhile, the state came under fire for not complying with the orders of the court. On April 3, the judge directed the secretary of INCA to consider the issues raised by the directors who approached the court regarding the right to carry out a profession independently. A decision was supposed to be placed by the state, but it was not done. The Senior Standing Counsel representing the state informed that they were going to move an appeal before the division bench challenging the order and are awaiting a certified copy to do the same. To this, Justice Sinha said, "There is an order you have not complied with, and there is no stay order. Somebody's right to life is being infringed, and the state is not taking any step to protect the right of these people. This is what is troubling the court. If the decision is placed, then at least the court will come to know the stand of the state in this impasse which has been created."
