Film-makers petition I&B Ministry to save Indie cinema

The aim of this petition is to convince the authorities to provide a percentage of the monies that was allotted by the government on the occasion of 100 years of Indian cinema to build about 400 mini theatres that will screen non-commercial and independent movies.

Explaining the petitioners’ stance, film-maker Onir said, “One of the main challenges that we constantly face is of exhibition. We heard this announcement made by the I&B Ministry that Rs. 600 crore will go into the restoration of archival material. This is a very good move, but at the same time all of us believe that you can’t just live with a glorious past at the cost of a dying present. Increasingly, there’s good independent cinema happening across the country.” He further added, “All that we are saying is that out of the money allotted, Rs.200 crore should be spent on building low-cost theatres across the country.”

Among the other issues brought up in the petition is the high rate of tickets in multiplexes which are detrimental for small budget films. “Why should high budget and low budget films be marketed at the same price?” questions Onir.

Apart from Sen, Gowariker and Onir, the other petitioners include film personalities like

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