From the Editor’s Desk

Cine Tourism

Film festival at Dharamshala is opening possibilities amidst ongoing electoral process for upcoming Himachal assembly elections. Possibilities in this hilly state regarding film industry should be viewed as the sixth film festival has been noticed by the Bollywood also. Projects like film city are not visualized as political circles hesitate to provide patronage to such issues . Film festivals at Dharamshala and Shimla cater to the needs of art and artists. Bollywood has long association with Himachal due to presence of picturesque locations here but we could not link it with our state’s economy as film producers face lack of infrastructural facilities. A good initiative can be taken by giving priority to heritage village Garli Pragpur for film city. The requisite land and heritage buildings are available here for preparing a blue print for establishing a film city. Location of historic forts, Pong dam, and tourist places in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi besides local artists can benefit such a concept. Himachali youths have ventured into art field during past two decades. Television institute and Arts College can also be established alongside film city. The Congress government understood the need of arts field by providing initial budget for constructing an auditorium but infrastructural facilities are must for exploring employment opportunities in this sector. Himachali talent did not get a platform to polish their potential and programmes though Akashvani and language, Arts and Culture Department put in certain efforts. Economy could have been strengthened if nearly four dozen cultural programmes held in Himachal were dedicated to art and artists. Himachal’s young film producers did not get patronage from the society and state even as they put in efforts through films. A proper policy for extending financial assistance to promote films based on Himachali culture should be framed. A separate agency can make the process for film shootings at different locations here. Dharamshala film festival also brings along possibilities for cine tourism. It can further strengthen film industry in north India if government department links this sector with art, entertainment, investment and employment by providing facilities. Himachal should frame an independent policy for cine tourism along with facilities for shooting, equipments and training institutes.

Thought of the Week

If you can dream it, you can do it.

-Walt Disney

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