Sonowal’s sops for rejuvetion of film industry

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, March 5: The Assam Government will provide fincial assistance of Rs. 50 lakh for reopening of cinema halls which have already been shut down in the state. Similarly, an amount of Rs. 25 lakh will also be provided to cinema halls which need repairing of its building for creating a good viewing ambience.

Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal announced this while speaking at the closing ceremony of Chalachitram, a heritage short film competition organized by Chalachitram in association with Department of Cultural Affairs, Assam and Directorate of Film Festival, Government of India at Rabindra Bhavan today.

Stating that cinema reflects the philosophy of life, reality and expectations of the society and plays an important role in transforming society, Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal recalled the contributions of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla, Bhabendra th Saikia, Jahnu Baruah and Manju Bora in taking the Assamese cinema forward.

The Chief Minister further added that the cinema industry in Assam is plagued with various problems and the government is preparing a roadmap to strengthen its infrastructure to give it a major fillip. He also commented that Assamese films are best in all respect and can compete with the Indian and world cinema if backed with proper infrastructure.

Sonowal also called upon the film-makers of the state to highlight the contributions of the legendary persolities of Assam to carry forward a message to the society. The Chief Minister also urged the film fraternity to guide the Government on the initiatives required to be taken for ameliorating its present condition.

The Chief Minister also distributed prizes of the short film competition titled ‘Our heritage, our pride’ in the programme. ‘Pride of Assam’ bagged the best short film award in this competition. He also released a souvenir published to mark the occasion. Director, Directorate of Film festivals, Government of India Senthil Rajan, eminent film makers Vijaya Je, Manju Bora, Commissioner & Secretary, Cultural Affairs Department, Government of Assam Preetom Saikia, Secretary of Chalachitram Bhagawat Pritam were present in the programme.