India is making a significant presence felt at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as it strives to position itself as a prime destination for international cinema. The Indian government is actively considering the expansion of incentives to attract filmmakers to the country.
The overarching goal is to transform India into a magnet for international film productions, a move that is expected to have the added benefit of boosting tourism. Prithul Kumar, Managing Director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), expressed this vision at the India pavilion within TIFF’s Industry Center in downtown Toronto. He drew parallels with how “Lord of the Rings” catapulted New Zealand to global recognition and aspires to see a similar impact on India.
To entice high-profile, big-budget productions to India, Kumar announced that the incentives offered to foreign filmmakers will see an increase from the current cap of ₹2.5 crore. Although he didn’t specify the new ceiling amount, he assured that it would be substantial.
Presently, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting offers a reimbursement of 30% of qualifying production expenses incurred in India for foreign films, including animation and post-production, capped at ₹2 crore. An additional five percent, capped at ₹50 lakh, is provided as a bonus for employing 15% or more Indian talent or workforce. This bonus is the aspect expected to be enhanced.
Kumar, who also serves as the Joint Secretary for Films in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, highlighted that successful film productions in India have a downstream effect estimated at six times the monetary investment, particularly in terms of tourism. He cited the surge in tourism to Tamil Nadu following the Academy Award win for “The Elephant Whisperers” in the Documentary Short Subject category this year.
The process for filmmakers will be further streamlined with the introduction of a new portal designed to facilitate applications for clearances and incentives.
The recently released India Film Guide at TIFF reaffirms the nation’s ambition: “With these incentives in place, India is setting its sights on becoming a global hub for film production.”
