Workshop to Boost Film Production in Uttarakhand

Dehradun: A workshop focused on positioning Uttarakhand as a prime location for film production took place on Thursday, June 25, 2025, at a hotel located on Sahastradhara Road, Dehradun. This event was co-hosted by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Uttarakhand Film Development Council (UFDC), under the theme 'Developing the Filming Ecosystem in Uttarakhand.'

The workshop began with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony led by Mr. Banshidhar Tiwari, CEO of UFDC; Dr. Nitin Upadhyay, Joint CEO of UFDC; Ms. Shilpa Rao, Director (Films) from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India; and Mr. Ajay Dhoke, General Manager of NFDC.

आज सहस्त्रधारा रोड, देहरादून स्थित एक होटल में उत्तराखण्ड को फिल्म निर्माण के लिए एक प्रमुख गंतव्य के रूप में स्थापित…

Posted by Uttarakhand DIPR on Wednesday, June 25, 2025

The event attracted notable film producers, policy experts, senior government officials, and various stakeholders from the film sector. Discussions centered on policy reforms, infrastructure improvements, and talent development to enhance film production in the region.

During the event, UFDC CEO Mr. Banshidhar Tiwari highlighted ongoing efforts, guided by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and the Government of India, to establish Uttarakhand as a film production center. He mentioned that films shot in lesser-known areas of the state qualify for an additional 5% incentive subsidy, and special subsidies are available for producers who hire local talent.

Furthermore, he announced a one-time subsidy of ₹25 lakh aimed at establishing single-screen cinema halls to enhance cinema infrastructure in hilly areas. The UFDC is also compiling a comprehensive directory of local suppliers, artists, resources, and transportation options to facilitate the filming process for producers.

Mr. Tiwari also revealed plans, in collaboration with NFDC, to initiate a dedicated state film festival and the Uttarakhand State Film Awards. Additionally, efforts are being made to connect regional language films with OTT platforms through coordination with Prasar Bharati’s WAVES OTT.

Ms. Shilpa Rao stressed the significance of promoting quality content, talent, and technology to elevate India as a global cinema hub. She encouraged filmmakers to explore opportunities on wavesbazaar.com and highlighted the Indian Cine Hub as a comprehensive resource for filmmakers, advocating for the revival of community-based film viewing, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions through affordable cinema halls.

NFDC General Manager Mr. Ajay Dhoke elaborated on the ongoing initiatives by NFDC, while officials from Indian Cine Hub provided insights into various government subsidy programs available for filmmakers.

Dr. Nitin Upadhyay, Joint CEO of UFDC, presented Uttarakhand’s innovative film policy, identifying 'Talent, Training, and Technology' as the three foundational pillars of the state’s film production strategy. He emphasized the importance of empowering local storytellers and technicians alongside attracting external producers.

He also outlined the benefits offered under the policy, including production subsidies, location support, film institute development, cinema screen expansion, and streamlined permissions for shooting on forest and public lands.

Mr. Ram Kumar Vijayan, Assistant Vice President of Indian Cine Hub, discussed the portal’s features, which simplify and integrate the permission process by connecting state governments, central agencies, and local nodal officers. He also highlighted the portal’s extensive resource directory.

The workshop concluded with a Q&A session, allowing filmmakers and industry professionals to address their policy-related inquiries with officials from NFDC and UFDC.

Earlier that day, a joint meeting of senior officials from NFDC and UFDC was held, focusing on transforming Uttarakhand into a vibrant film production center, enhancing cinema infrastructure, supporting regional films, and fostering the creative economy. Detailed discussions covered filmmaking, regional cinema, screen availability, and incentive schemes.

Notable attendees included Ms. Shilpa Rao (Director, Films, Ministry of I&B), Mr. Ajay Dhoke (GM, NFDC), Mr. Ashish Kumar Tripathi (Additional Director, Information), Ms. Shruti Rajkumar (Vice President & Head, Indian Cine Hub), Mr. Mayur Patel (Manager, Film Bazaar, NFDC), Mr. Nachiket Shirolkar (Consultant, International Promotion & Film Festivals, NFDC), and Mr. Abhay Kumar (Project Manager, Unicops).