Dehradun: In a major push to strengthen Uttarakhand’s growing film ecosystem, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan has directed the Uttarakhand Film Development Council (UFDC) to organize a National Film Festival in the state. The move aims to promote local talent, highlight scenic filming locations, and position Uttarakhand as a key hub for regional and mainstream cinema production.
National-Level Push for Film Culture
During a meeting held at the Secretariat on Thursday, Dr. Nitin Upadhyay, Joint Chief Executive Officer of the UFDC, briefed the Chief Secretary on the Council’s recent activities. Bardhan emphasized that Uttarakhand should actively work toward hosting a national film festival in collaboration with the Government of India.
The objective is to:
- Strengthen the filmmaking ecosystem within the state
- Attract national-level productions
- Encourage collaboration between local filmmakers and national studios
Focus on Cinema in Remote Hilly Areas
Officials were also instructed to explore possibilities for establishing low-cost cinema halls in remote hill regions, making entertainment accessible and economically viable. The initiative aims to generate employment and boost cultural engagement for local youth and artists.
Simplified Single-Window Clearance & Filming Growth
Dr. Upadhyay shared updates on the Uttarakhand Film Policy, highlighting the success of the single-window system that simplifies film shooting permissions and ensures transparency.
- Over 30 regional films have been produced in Uttarakhand in just one year.
- Several major Hindi films and web series from top production houses are also being shot in the state.
- This momentum has made Uttarakhand a rising destination of choice for filmmakers.
Why This Matters:
- Encourages economic activity and tourism in lesser-known areas
- Enhances visibility for local culture and languages
- Attracts national and international film crews
- Expands training and job opportunities in the creative sector
