Nat'l Film Policy on cards:PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday stressed the need for a specific plan for the film industry to face and compete with the present open sky culture.
“Local films are now facing a tough challenge in the era of open sky culture. There is no alternative to patronising decent films as well merit, creativity and technological advancement… we must move ahead with a specific plan,” she said.
Hasina was addressing the National Film Award 2008 ceremony at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in the city.
Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad presided over the function, organised by the Information Ministry. Information Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury also spoke on the occasion.
She said the government has taken an initiative to totally recast the Film Development Corporation. Projects have been taken up to construct a modern Film Archive Building at a cost of Tk 75 crore and the government will soon formulate a Film Archive Policy.
She said from this year, grants will be given to six films instead of earlier two and this will include two films for children. The amount of grant will be increased to Tk 1.9 million from Tk 1.5 million. “From next year, five short-films will be awarded.”
Hasina said from now on directors and producers will get Tk 50,000 instead of Tk 10,000 while other award recipients will get Tk 30,000 instead of Tk 5,000. “I know the amount is still very small. But I can ensure you this will be increased in the near future. You' ll give me good films and I'll increase the award money.”
She said that digital technology is going to be introduced in the FDC for the production of film and in preserving those.
The Prime Minister said that initiative has been taken to set up a film city in Kabirpur, on the outskirts of capital Dhaka on 101 acres of land with all modern facilities for shooting of films. “Our government is working to formulate a National Film Policy.”
She also emphasized on producing films for children, saying they're future of the nation and “it is our duty to look to it that they could grow up with all human qualities.”
She urged the filmmakers to make films giving priority on women repression, dowry, child-marriage, drug addiction, HIV/AIDS and such other social issues.
Hasina also said that importance would have to be given on resisting corruption, establishing good governance and justice in the country.
“I hope you'll bring forth in your films the true history of Liberation War, trial of war criminals, and flourishing of intellectuality, non-communalism and poverty-alleviation.”
Later, the prime minister distributed 24 awards in 23 categories.
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