Goa: The Bihar State Film Development and Finance Corporation pavilion at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa emerged as a hub of activity on Saturday, drawing filmmakers, producers, and investors keen to explore opportunities in the state’s burgeoning film industry.
The pavilion, formally inaugurated at the Webs Film Bazaar, saw the presence of senior officials and prominent industry figures, including Pranav Kumar, Secretary of the Arts, Culture and Youth Department and Managing Director of Bihar Film Corporation; Ruby, General Manager of Bihar Film Corporation; actors Manoj Joshi, Darshan Kumar, Neetu Chandra, and Vikas Kumar; IMPA Chairman Abhay Sinha; producer Sagar Srivastava; and director Rao Devendra Singh.
Kumar highlighted the state’s initiatives to attract filmmakers, including grant incentives for films shot in Bihar and a one-window system to facilitate shooting. “Bihar has immense potential in arts and culture, and participation in platforms like IFFI strengthens the state’s image nationally and internationally,” he said.
Actors and filmmakers praised the state’s scenic landscapes and cooperative local communities. Manoj Joshi described Bihar as “ideal for photography,” adding that the state’s cultural and historical significance, including its connection to the Maurya Empire, made it an attractive destination for filmmakers. Darshan Kumar recounted filming for 40 days in Balkami Nagar, praising both the natural beauty and the warmth of local residents who offered homemade eggs and cow milk. He said he hoped to shoot all his future projects in Bihar.
Neetu Chandra emphasised the importance of supporting films in Bihar’s regional languages such as Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi, noting that nurturing local content was essential for the industry’s growth. Vikas Kumar, meanwhile, revealed plans to shoot a film in Bihar next year and discussed potential projects with Pranav Kumar.
Producers and directors attending the pavilion echoed these sentiments. Sagar Srivastava described shooting in Bihar as “repaying a debt to one’s motherland,” while Rao Devendra Singh highlighted the state’s diverse stories and wide-ranging locations suitable for films of all genres.
Ruby, General Manager of Bihar Film Corporation, noted that the rise in film production was generating employment opportunities and attracting investors, while IMPA Chairman Abhay Sinha urged fellow producers to plan shoots in Bihar following the state’s new film policy.
Discussions with OTT platforms also hinted at future collaborations. Pranav Kumar met representatives of Stage, exploring avenues for smooth releases of Bihar-produced films. Parmita Munshi, director of the Bengali film Ami Jokhon, has committed to producing a suspense thriller web series in Bihar next January.
FTII alumnus and renowned editor Aseem Sinha, who visited the pavilion, observed that the revival of filming in Bihar was creating fresh opportunities for editors, sound designers, and behind-the-scenes cinematographers.
