(a) whether the capacity of the film industry to earn foreign exchange has been increasing
during recent years in the country ;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has evolved any scheme for development and expansion of the film
industry ;
(d) if so, the details thereof : and
(e) the time by when the said scheme is likely to be implemented ?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING (SHRI P.R. DASMUNSI)
(a) & (b) Yes Sir. As per the FICCI PricewaterhouseCoopers Report of 2007, the growth of overseas
market of Indian films was positive. From Rs 5000 million in 2004 and Rs 5650 million in 2005,
the overseas market was projected to grow to Rs 7000 million in 2006 and Rs 8500 million in 2007.
The trend of increase in box office receipts would indicate higher export of films from India and
potentially an increase in foreign exchange earnings.
(c ), (d) & (e) The Ministry of I&B has existing Plan Schemes which are aimed at promotion of
Indian cinemas in India and abroad. The scheme called ‘Export Promotion through film festivals
in India and Abroad’ is implemented through the Directorate of Film Festivals. The scheme covers
the organizations of the International Film Festival of India, Participation in various film
festivals in India and abroad and conduction of film festivals. Films are sent to various Indian
embassies for conduct of festivals also. Films are a medium of cultural export. The conduct of
film festivals abroad not only promotes our culture but also facilitates in export of Indian
films. In the XIth Plan, this scheme additionally provides for grants-in-aid to Federation of
Film Societies of India and support to NGO’s/ State Government organizations in holding film
festivals. In the Xth Plan a sum of Rs 989.42 lakhs was utilized under this scheme. The provision
of the XIth Plan is Rs 2069 lakhs.
The existing Main Secretariat Scheme of the Ministry of I&B called ‘Participation in Film
Markets’ envisages providing support, facilitation and promotion of the export potential of the
Indian film industry. The scheme intends to cover not only specific institutionalized international
markets such as Cannes Film Market/ Berlin Film Festival/ American Film Market/ MIPCOM, Cannes
among other (participation to be decided yearly) but also the Film Bazaar which is held along
side the International Film Festival of India each year. In the Xth Plan a sum of Rs 442.85 lakhs
was utilized for the purpose. The provision for the XIth Plan is for Rs 1100 lakhs.