Photo Courtesy: Film Development Board

Film Development Board organized a panel discussion event, to know the view point of personalities working in Nepali film fraternity, on the proposed ‘Film Act, 2076’ on Sunday at  Gopi Krishna Marg.  Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Gokul Prasad Baskota was also present at the event.

In the event, Veteran filmmaker Nir Shah was optimistic about the proposed bill who pointed that this bill would take Nepali film industry to next level.  “If the bill is passed, it will be a historical moment for Nepali film fraternity,” Shah said.

Likewise, filmmaker Nawal Khadka stressed the necessity of proposed Film Act. Khadka said, “It seems like the bill will promote the Nepali film. I believe the government should levy 25 percent tax on foreign films and giving only one screening space to foreign films in multiplex will eventually boast Nepali films.”

He added, “We should focus on historical film and appoint the cultural ambassador in culture department of each Nepali Embassy to promote Nepali film across the globe. Likewise, the box office shall be transparent and give continuity to Friday release system.”

Moreover, president of Nepal Motion Picture Association, Pradeep Kumar Udaya showed his dissatisfaction with proposed bill. Giving an example of Bishwojyoti Hall, the quota system for Nepali Film won’t be suitable in term of business point of view. “Bishwojyoti Hall was once in the verse to shut down when it was screening only Nepali movies. If there is mandatory quota system for Nepali film, the hall will certainly close down,” Udaya shared.

Filmmaker Sachin Ghimire, one of the participants said that it would create problem, if ‘Film Act 2076’ prioritizes quota system as this system has been gradually being eliminated from international film industry.

“The mandatory of quota system of local films in halls are slowly dropping in countries like UK and Korea. So, we should focus for the good content of film that have won international awards,” Ghimire added.

Likewise, he also stressed that it is not necessary to play national anthem in the cinema hall to depict patriotism but government should focus on building appropriate venue to host international film festival in Nepal.