Kathmandu. The budget for the financial year 2081/2082 presented by Finance Minister Varshman Pun in the joint house of the Federal Parliament on Tuesday was disappointing for the arts sector (film, music, drama). Filmmakers have complained that the budget has neglected the film and music sector.
The plans of Dolakha’s film city and Banepa’s film studio, which have been included in every budget for a few years, have been repeated this time as well. It is mentioned that the work of Banepa’s film studio will be started, and the construction of Dolakha’s film city will be done in private and public partnership. In this matter, the budget was being allocated in the budget brought by the previous government.
In addition, the government has announced the development and promotion of intangible cultural fields such as language, literature, philosophy, culture, art, music, and drama. For the first time in the budget brought by the government, the protection and regulation of copyright is mentioned.
Film director Manoj Pandit said that looking at the budget, it is clear that film and art sector is not a priority of the government. He commented that the government is not serious and responsible for the development of this area.
Pandit responded that he was not interested in the plans of Film City and Studio and even if these plans were scrapped, he would do so. “It doesn’t matter if the plan is canceled now,” he said. So far, the government has not brought the plans included in the policies and programs introduced last month in the budget. The film sector was addressed in 89 and 93 of the policy and program.
In the 89th point of the policy and program, it was mentioned that ‘film tourism will be promoted by attracting international filmmakers including Hollywood and Bollywood for filming in Nepal.’ This plan is also not included in the budget.
In addition, film and music were also included in point 93 of the policy and program. It was mentioned that ‘Art and literature program for change’ will be conducted to promote historical films, songs, music, research and indigenous films related to people who have made a significant contribution to the transformation of society. This program is also not in the budget.
Exhibitors i.e. Movie Association had been pressuring the Minister of Communications for a year to reduce the film development fee. The Minister of Communications also promised to reduce it and give relief. Exhibitors are not only disappointed when their main demand is not met, they are estimating that business will be challenging.
Film director Pandit Budget says that the status of the Nepali film sector has been clarified. ‘The government has stripped us of our status. The film industry is virtually parentless these days. There is no leadership in the film industry. The current budget is the product of this,’ he says.
Stating that the government is not seen in the development of film, Pandit comments that this situation will remain until the film is made a main part of politics. ‘When there is no leadership. There is no need to fight strongly with the state agencies. In this case, a similar budget comes. It’s not strange,’ he says. He is of the opinion that preparations should be made for the next year’s budget as well.
Some filmmakers have expressed their anger and disappointment over the budget through social media. They have also analyzed that the Film Development Board has failed to put pressure on the government.
