‘Film subsidy not released for six years’

Panaji: The Federation of

Film

Fraternity of Goa (FFFG), on Thursday, demanded that the Entertainment Society of Goa clear the files of the film subsidies pending for six

years

. The delegation was led by Konkani filmmaker Laxmikant Shetgaonkar who said that the delay in

subsidy

has resulted in an economic crisis in the local film industry and reduction in the number of films produced locally.

“The state, which hosts an international event on cinema (IFFI), has failed miserably to support its local filmmakers,” Shetgaonkar added.

Dinesh Bhonsle, director of films like ‘Enemy’ and ‘Amoree’, said that files related to films made in 2016 are eating dust with the ESG whereas films made between 2013-15 are only partially cleared. “The state assembly congratulates every film which wins a national award but unfortunately the award money to these films is not

released

since eight years. Local films like Baga Beach, Nachoia Kumpasar, Enemy, K Sera Sera, Amoree and Kajro, among others, are all waiting for the government to clear the files related to the National film award,” he said.

Film producer Schubert Cota emphasised the need to encourage film productions the way Maharashtra or Jharkhand government implements its film policy. A government Gazette needs to be taken seriously by the administration otherwise people will lose trust in government schemes.

Presently more than 45 film producers are awaiting subsidy for the films they have made since the past six years. Uncertainty over the government subsidy has resulted in low response to film production amongst investors and financiers.

FFFG warned that it will involve all artists, technicians, trade unions including IMPPA, FFI and launch their agitation beginning November 1.