Kathmandu, June 30: Minister for Information and Communications, Dr Bikram Timilsina, has asserted that the government is sensitive towards problems, challenges and expectations of the Nepali film industry.
Addressing the 26th anniversary ceremony of the Film Development Board, Minister Dr Timilsina mentioned that the government was ready to strengthen film industry through law, policy and programmes that would address the real necessity of the cinema sector.
He also pointed out that the film development board should play guardianship role to promote this sector, and urged the board to develop plans by incorporating the views of filmmakers for coming fiscal year.
Minister Dr Timilsina stated that suggestion from all stakeholders would be collected to make film bill, which is under consideration in the parliament, timely, practical and in line with the real needs of the film industry.
All should play role from their respective side to prepare strong legal document addressing the current need and aspirations of filmmakers, he viewed.
He also expressed belief that effective laws could be formulated from constant dialogue and cooperation, clarifying that necessary policy and structural reforms could be forwarded by holding discussion with filmmakers.
“The Nepali film industry is in current situation due to continuous struggle and devotion of filmmakers of old generation,” the Communications Minister added.
He underlined that every sector should win the trust of the people in a democratic system and the film sector could not remain isolate from this.
Saying the film sector has significant contribution in different democratic movement in Nepal, Minister Dr Timilsina viewed that this sector should work as per the citizen’s hope.
He also requested the filmmakers to make the culture of healthy competition, mutual cooperation and collaboration strong to make film industry more capable economically.
Similarly, Communications Secretary Laxmi Kumari Basnet expressed the view that production of quality content, use of modern and advanced technology and effective promotion are needed to make Nepali films competitive in international market.
Basnet pointed out the need of more cooperation and collaboration between the government, board and private sector to expand universal access of Nepali cinemas.
Likewise, Chairperson of the film development board, Dinesh DC, stressed that all stakeholders should actively give suggestions for the new film bill, which is in the process of drafting.
Expressing the belief that the act that incorporates experience and practical aspects of film sector would benefit the industry in a long-term manner, he expected constructive suggestions from all sectors.
