Patna: Representatives from Bihar and the film industry participated in a panel at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa to showcase the state as an emerging film production hub, emphasizing new incentives, streamlined approval processes, and plans for a dedicated film city. During the session titled “Rooted in Region: Bihar’s Emerging Cinema,” Pranav Kumar, Managing Director of the Bihar State Film Development and Finance Corporation and Secretary of the Department of Art, Culture and Youth, stated that the state had “systematically reformulated” its filmmaking strategy. He noted that Bihar’s new film promotion policy was developed after analyzing models across India, integrating best practices while catering to the specific needs of filmmakers.
Kumar announced the introduction of a “one-window clearance” system designed to facilitate approvals for producers, with the assistance of district-level nodal officers. Grants are now offered not only for feature films but also for web series, TV serials, and documentaries. A comprehensive database of shooting locations across districts has been established, with plans to make these available in virtual reality to assist production houses in visualizing sites without extensive location scouting. “Bihar has all kinds of stories, both new and old,” Kumar remarked, asserting that the state’s previous negative image is outdated and that security concerns are largely unfounded.
He stated that the government aims to cultivate a filmmaking culture, with plans for a film city in Rajgir and efforts to consolidate production resources, including vanity vans and technical infrastructure, in one location. The state is also investigating options for direct bank financing for the construction of single-screen cinemas. Producers have welcomed the policy changes. Abhay Sinha, President of the Indian Motion Picture Association and founder of Yashhi Films, expressed his satisfaction with the policy’s implementation, stating he had “never been as happy” and announced intentions to shoot three films in Bihar next month, encouraging IMPA’s 40,000 producers to consider the state for future projects.
Sinha called for the establishment of a local Central Board of Film Certification office to eliminate the need for travel to Mumbai, and announced that IMPA would establish a regional office in Bihar. He also highlighted concerns about the lack of screens for Bhojpuri and other regional-language films, suggesting that single-screen cinemas be mandated to showcase Bhojpuri films to support local producers. Actor and filmmaker Vikas Kumar expressed his readiness to assist incoming productions, offering dialect coaching for cast members portraying Bihari characters. He mentioned the possibility of repurposing disused buildings as temporary cinema halls and anticipated new film productions beginning in the state next year.
Actor Vineet Kumar echoed the need for developing rural settings conducive to filming, arguing that such environments would enhance realism and create employment opportunities. Actress Neetu Chandra emphasized that language is essential to Bihar’s cinematic identity, pointing out the potential for films in Maithili, Bhojpuri, Bajjika, and Magahi. At the Bihar Pavilion, Biplab Goswami, writer of Missing Ladies, met with officials and indicated he was considering the state as a potential location for his upcoming project, Yeh Jharna Kaun Hai, and planned to visit Bihar soon for further discussions.