Parliament Question: Promotion Schemes for Independent and Regional Film Makers

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 640 TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.07.2026 PROMOTION SCHEMES FOR INDEPENDENT AND REGIONAL FILM MAKERS 640. DR. AMOL RAMSING KOLHE: Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state: a) whether the Government has taken note that many film makers producing quality and content-driven films face difficulties relating to financing, high production costs, limited access to modern studios, post-production facilities and inadequate international marketing support; b) if so, whether these challenges have affected India's ability to secure greater recognition and awards at major international film festivals; c) if so, the details of film production, post-production and film city infrastructure available in Maharashtra particularly in Mumbai, Nashik and Pune; d) whether the Government proposes to provide financial assistance, incentives, co-production facilities and dedicated promotion schemes for independent and regional film makers in Maharashtra; and e) the steps taken by the Government to strengthen Maharashtra's film ecosystem and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian films at international film festivals and markets? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (DR. L. MURUGAN) (a) to (e): Under the Development, Communication and Dissemination of Filmic Content (DCDFC) Scheme, the Government provides financial assistance for the production of regional films. These initiatives benefit filmmakers across the country, including those from Maharashtra, and contribute to strengthening India's film ecosystem and enhancing its global competitiveness.The Government has also undertaken several initiatives to strengthen the Indian film ecosystem and enhance the global outreach of Indian cinema. Through the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), financial assistance is provided to such filmmakers. To facilitate international promotion and market access, the Government supports the participation of Indian filmmakers at major international film festivals and film markets. The Ministry also collaborates with industry bodies such as The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to promote Indian cinema and create opportunities for international partnerships. In addition, financial assistance is provided to Indian Missions abroad for organising activities aimed at promoting Indian cinema and facilitating engagement between Indian and international film industries. Such initiatives include the WAVES Bazaar, Work-in-Progress Labs, Viewing Rooms, film markets, and programmes for facilitating international co- productions. These platforms provide project development support, networking opportunities, and international market access to Indian Filmmakers. Maharashtra continues to be one of the country's leading film production hubs, with world- class infrastructure and facilities. Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari (Film City), Goregaon is located in Mumbai. Institutes like the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, and Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), Mumbai support capacity building of the sector. Apart from these, a wide network of production and post-production facilities by private sector is also functioning across Mumbai, Pune and Nashik. To further examine the issues related to film sector, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has recently constituted a High-Level Study Group. Based on the report of this Group, further policy interventions will be formulated. *****