Assam government presents subsidy to Assam film producers

Guwahati: Offering subsidy to the tune of rupees one crore to the film producers of Assam, State chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal commented that the artistes and filmmakers wield great influence over the society and they should play a positive role in guiding the young generation chasing their destinations. “Films have so much power to spread messages and bring about change in society. Viewers find an escape from their reality in the world of cinemas as they laugh, cry and feel various emotions in the course of a film,” said Sonowal while distributing subsidies to filmmakers under the State film finance and development corporation (ASFFDC) at a program in the city on Saturday.

It may be mentioned that a total of 55 films including 45 feature films, 6 documentaries and 4 short films were selected for providing subsidy in the first phase. The producers of the films, those were made from 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2020, were provided subsidies for encouraging them in their filmmaking endeavours. Recalling the contributions of Jyotiprasad Agarwala, who made the visionary initiative to produce the region’s first (talkie)feature film titled Joymoti in 1935 braving all odds, Sonowal commented that Joymoti was a true testament of women empowerment when Aideu Handique defied societal restrictions to act in a movie.

Stressing on the importance of science & technology, he called on the filmmakers to make concerted efforts to tell Assam’s stories to the global audience. Terming the artistes as messengers of God, the senior BJP leader stated that they have great responsibilities of setting the right examples before the young generation and guide the society through their creations. He also referred to Dr Bhupen Hazarika’s song Jilikabo Luitore Paar and opined that all sections of the society should join hands to develop the State at a rapid pace.

In presence of State cultural minister Naba Kr Doley, ASFFDC chairperson Suman Haripriya, CM’s media adviser Hrishikesh Goswami and legal adviser Santanu Bharali, Parliamentarian Pradan Barua, legislator Bimal Bora with other dignitaries, Sonowal urged the film directors to explore and highlight the State’s potentials and natural beauty in front of the global audience.