Mumbai: In an unforeseen demand, a producer named Quamar Haji Puri, representing the Bhojpuri film industry demanded that concession should be given to Bhojpuri films for shooting in Mumbai Film City like the Marathi film industry gets.
However, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has refuted to encourage any such demands by Bhojpuri film industry and said that authorities should concentrate on promoting Marathi film industry in Mumbai and Maharashtra.
BMC Holds Consultation To Boost Mumbai's Role As ‘City of Film’
A stakeholders' consultation was organised by the BMC on Role of Film Industry in Mumbai's Economic Development, in a push to designation of 'City of Film' given to Mumbai under UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in 2019.
Several members of the industry, prominently the producers, directors, documentary film makers and others participated in the discussion. Prominent figures on the panel were Additional Municipal Commissioner, Amit Saini and Joint Director of Mumbai Film City, Prashant Sajnikar.
During the open house on Film Shooting Permissions in Mumbai and collaborative activities under UCCN designation, several members representing film and documenty industry highlighted the need of restructuring cost levied on shoot locations, hurdles in obtaining permissions and sensitising authorities on granting permission to shoot in locations of appeal like the Mumbai University campus, Central Library, Asiatic society etc.
Bhojpuri Producer Sparks Debate Over Film City Concessions
At the time when several producers and directors from the Marathi film industry were voicing their issues and suggesting on ways of promoting films, including short films and documentaries which will showcase the local culture on larger scale, the Bhojpuri film producer raised that Bhojpuri industry should also be given consession.
"Bhojpuri film producers face extreme financial crunch and make films. Most of the shooting are done in the film city. Why cannot the authorities give us concession as the Marathi film industry gets? It will help us," Puri said.
MNS Slams Demand, Backs Marathi Cinema
However, MNS' Mumbai President, Sandeep Deshpande said that Bhojpuri producers should demand concessions in their home state and not in Mumbai.
While, Ameya Khopkar, President of MNS' film wing said, "We will never allow promotion of any such demand. It is totally unacceptable. Marathi film industry gets concession in Mumbai and infact authorities should focus more on encouraging Marathi film makers. If Bhojpuri film producers seek concessions, they better shoot in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar."
Meanwhile, the BMC has asked stakeholders to sent their suggestions and issues on the their website. After deliberations with the concerned authorities and stakeholders, the BMC will take best possible steps to ease permissions for film shoots, boost role of Film industry in Mumbai's economy.
Footpaths in Ballard Estate, Fort to be open for film shoots
The BMC has decided to open several civic-owned properties and sites to boost film shoots on prominent visually appealing locations. Some of the locations decided are- Footpaths and roads in A ward's Ballard Estate and Fort, Shlipagram in K-East ward, Malabar Hill viewing gallery and walkway, Dadar flower market, Crowfard market and other places.
The film makers have to fill forms online and take required permissions, and if the spot is available, they can shoot without waiting. The charges will be nominal applied by the BMC. This move will earn revenue to the civic body and make Mumbai more small film industry friendly.
