The first ever Himachal Pradesh film policy seeks to develop the hill state as an important destination for film production.

The policy, approved by the cabinet on Saturday, aims at disseminating information about the culture, history, heritage, traditions and captivating tourist places of the state through films to attract tourists.

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An official spokesman here said the policy will provide opportunities of growth to the talent of the state in all departments of film making, generate opportunities of employment in the state, and attract additional capital investment through the film industry.

The spokesman said Himachal Pradesh has made a significant contribution in the development of Indian cinema.

“The breathtaking locales of the state have always attracted renowned film-makers who have used various locations in the state to shoot many memorable films and documentaries. Still, the state is full of popular, scenic cultural heritage and spiritual sites which are yet to be explored. In fact, each hamlet of the state has a pleasant surprise stored in its fold waiting to be explored. Many artists or creative persons of the state have made their mark in various departments of film making both at national and international level. When in place, the film policy will further help the state reap the benefits of all these peculiarities,” he said.

The policy will pave the way for setting up a Film City in the state so that the entire required infrastructure is available at one place. The spokesman said a feasibility study will be undertaken through an expert agency to assess the prospects for setting up of a film city or cities or film lab with the help of the private sector.

“This study will be conducted by the Information and Public Relations Department through a professional agency and on the basis of its report; a detailed project report will be formulated and submitted to the private sector for implementation,” he said.

The government will promote the setting up of film studios and processing labs until a fully active film city is established in the state.

He said the government will strive to create nationally competitive infrastructure and to upgrade existing infrastructure, provide desired facilities and administrative assistance to ease film making in the state.

“A fund to be known as ‘Film Development Fund’ will be created by the state government in Information and Public Relation department for financing schemes for development of films and film related infrastructure. For this fund, a cess @ 50 paisa per bottle of liquor will be levied in the state,” he said.

He said the amount received will be utilized to promote the production of films, to provide financial assistance to well-qualified cases for production of the films, film awards, scholarships to film students and other related activities.

As per the policy, the Film Development Fund will be managed by the Information and Public Relations Department under the guidance and direction of Himachal Pradesh Film Development Council (HPFDC). The Council will be set up for a long term and meaningful development of Film Industry and will include administrative officers as members and members of film fraternity as non-official members nominated by the state government.