KSFDC inspires non-resident artists

AS Dinesh - PRO

Brisbane: Non-resident filmmakers and artists can avail of the Chitrajnali Studio Package Scheme of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation. Actor, Writer, Producer, Director, World Record Winner, and World Mother Vision, Kangaroo Vision Director Joy K. Mathew submitted a petition directly to State Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Culture Minister Saji Cherian, Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine, Alappuzha MP Adv. AM Ariff and Norka Roots Director. In the reply letter given by the government, a new order has been issued considering the application. Joy K Mathew said that this decision of the state government will be of great relief to the non-resident Malayalam filmmakers and lakhs of artists and that the government has resolved everything that he had asked for in the petition for the non-resident artists.

The government subsidizes films made using Chitranjali technical facilities to those who register under the Kerala State Film Development Corporation's Chitranjali Studio Package scheme. In its reply to Joy K Mathew's petition, the government clarified that henceforth non-residents can also avail of this facility. In addition, non-resident artists from this category can also apply for the film scheme led by the State Film Development Corporation to promote women directors and directors belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The government's reply has also clarified that the government's OTT scheme through the Kerala State Film Development Corporation will provide an opportunity to screen the films of non-resident filmmakers.

Joy K. Mathew stated that the films shot in different countries will share the culture and methods of each country with the audience, and many opportunities will be available to the artists and their children who are outside Kerala and in foreign countries.

There are lakhs of expatriate artists living in foreign countries who are unable to take advantage of opportunities in the film and television industry in Kerala due to their exile. Taking a few days off to take part in movies or television programs back home can also lead to travel expenses and unpaid leaves of absence. Even films made within the confines of exile face huge challenges in bringing them to the audience. In this situation, Norka Roots, which works for the upliftment and welfare of non-resident Malayalis, and the state government, submitted a petition pointing out that it is necessary to ensure the necessary support for artists among the non-resident Malayalis outside Kerala and abroad.