Patna: Bihar is increasingly positioning itself as a destination for filmmakers, with dozens of films, web series and documentaries now shooting across the state after the rollout of a new film promotion policy.
Under the Bihar Film Promotion Policy 2024, 37 projects have been granted permission to film at locations ranging from the state capital, Patna, to districts across the hinterland. The policy, introduced by the state government, is being presented as an effort to place Bihar firmly on India’s cinematic map while reshaping perceptions of the state.
Film units are currently active across multiple regions, drawing on Bihar’s historical, cultural and social diversity. Officials say the increased activity is not only helping to project new narratives about the state but is also generating local employment and stimulating economic activity linked to production, logistics and tourism.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Pranav Kumar, secretary of the department of arts and culture, outlined the government’s achievements and future plans. He said the state was committed to developing its first film city, though the project would not be rushed.
“The structure and scope of the film city will be finalised only after studying the technical requirements and expectations of filmmakers and web series producers,” Kumar said, adding that the aim was to ensure the project delivered tangible benefits to the industry rather than becoming a symbolic exercise.
Alongside cinema, the government is also seeking to revive Bihar’s traditional arts. The chief minister’s Guru–Shishya Tradition Scheme has been launched to support endangered and marginalised folk art forms by pairing experienced artists with younger trainees. The scheme covers folk music, dance and traditional instruments and has so far received 233 applications, according to officials.
Efforts are also under way to provide financial security to ageing artists. Through the chief minister’s artist pension scheme, eligible senior artists receive a monthly pension of Rs 3,000. So far, 85 artists from districts including Patna, Saran, Khagaria, Katihar, Purnia, Banka, Bhojpur, Araria, Jehanabad and Kishanganj have been selected.
To improve transparency and inform policy decisions, the department has launched an artist registration portal, which has attracted more than 3,800 registrations across different art forms. Officials say the data is helping the government better understand artists’ needs and design targeted support schemes.
The state is also pursuing international recognition for Chhath Mahaparva, one of Bihar’s most significant festivals. Kumar said a proposal had been submitted to UNESCO seeking inclusion of Chhath on the world heritage list, describing the festival as a living example of ecological balance, community participation and cultural unity.
In addition, the government has announced plans to recruit for 244 newly created posts within the department of arts and culture, including positions linked to the film development corporation, the museum directorate and the Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum in Vaishali.
Taken together, officials argue, the film policy and cultural initiatives signal a broader push to combine creative industry growth with the preservation and promotion of Bihar’s cultural heritage.
