Bihar’s debut at India International Film Trade Conclave highlights film promotion policy

Mumbai: The India International Film Trade Conclave (IIFTC) 2024, India’s premier film location event, concluded this week, bringing together film producers, directors, and representatives from government institutions and film development corporations worldwide. This year marked the first participation of the Bihar State Film Development and Finance Corporation, following the introduction of Bihar’s Film Promotion Policy.

At the conclave, the corporation’s stall attracted significant interest from major producers, directors, and production houses. Representatives of the Bihar Film Corporation distributed guidelines and promotional materials detailing the state’s new film policy, which aims to boost cinematic projects in the region. Attendees praised the policy and expressed interest in filming in Bihar, provided there was continued governmental support.

During the event, Managing Director and Secretary of Bihar’s Department of Art, Culture, and Youth, Dayanidhan Pandey, alongside General Manager of the Bihar Film Development and Finance Corporation, Rahul Kumar, presented the IIFTC Tourism Impact Award for Cinematic Excellence. The award was given to 13 films and two directors across various genres. Bollywood figures including Subhash Ghai, known as the “Showman” of Hindi cinema, and Shoojit Sarkar, director of films like Madras Cafe and Sardar Udham, were present during the ceremony.

A panel discussion titled “Make in India” was also held during the conclave, moderated by filmmaker Anubhav Sinha. Rahul Kumar, General Manager of Bihar State Film Development and Finance Corporation, participated alongside representatives from the Gujarat, Maharashtra, and New Delhi film corporations. Following the discussion, Kumar presented a coffee table book, Bihar Bioscope, to the panellists, showcasing the cinematic potential of the state.

Bihar’s stall was a major attraction during the three-day event, with filmmakers praising the state’s film-friendly policy. On the final day, filmmaker Farhan Khan and actress Falak Khan, star of the Oscar-nominated film Champaran Mutton, visited Bihar’s stall, further boosting the state’s prominence at the conclave.