Filmmakers From Mauritius, Other Countries Express Interest in Shooting Movies in Bihar: Dy CM

Patna: Several international filmmakers, including those from Mauritius, have expressed interest in shooting films in Bihar or making movies about state, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said on Wednesday.

Speaking to PTI over phone, Sinha, who is set to inaugurate Bihar Pavilion at 55th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, said, "Bihar’s participation in International Film Festival will boost filmmaking industry in state." Bihar Film Promotion Policy, recently approved and notified by state government, will encourage investment, create employment, promote tourism, and help change perceptions about state, he ded.

"Several international filmmakers, including those from Mauritius, have shown interest in shooting films in Bihar or making films about state. Some have alrey begun working on ir projects after receiving necessary approvals from authorities," he said.

Sinha emphasised role of films in cultural preservation and public awareness, ding, "We have talent to showcase Bihar’s heritage to world. Bihar has enormous potential for filmmaking. state’s glorious past in art and culture, along with its natural cinematic treasures, are enough to attract filmmakers. We invite filmmakers to come and explore." Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds portfolio of Art, Culture, and Youth Department, furr mentioned that state government is actively inviting stakeholders from film industry to explore Bihar at IFFI 2024.

"Officials from Bihar team at IFFI will inform filmmakers about efforts and measures being taken by state government to promote film industry in Bihar, offering full institutional support and a complete ecosystem for filmmakers," he said.

Popular actor and Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan, who is also part of Bihar delegation at IFFI 2024, told PTI, "Bihar has not been fully explored as a film production destination. I am confident that with new film policy, state, its artistes, and its folk culture will gain proper exposure. state government has alrey developed state-of--art, shooting-friendly infrastructure for this purpose." Kishan, known for his work in Bhojpuri, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Kanna films, ded, "Bihar has changed. I’ve heard that several international filmmakers, including those from Mauritius, have expressed interest in shooting films in Bihar or making films about state. This is a great achievement for state government and demonstrates that filmmakers are eager to work in Bihar." Kishan expressed happiness that his film 'Laapataa Lies', in which he played role of a police officer, has been selected as India’s official entry for 2025 Oscars.