First Introductory Meeting of Sikkim Film Promotion Board Convenes at IPR Department

Gangtok, October 29 (IPR): The first introductory board meeting of the Sikkim Film Promotion Board was held today at the IPR Department under the chairmanship of Mr Tashi Tshering Bhutia, Chairperson, Sikkim Film Promotion Board.

The meeting was attended by Mr Sunil Kumar Mothay, Director, IPR Department; Mrs Tshering Yangdon, Additional Secretary, Culture Department; Mr Bishal Khawas, Additional Director, IPR Department; Mr Gaurav Dhungel, Joint Director, Finance Department; Ms Karma T Dolma, Deputy Director, Culture Department; and Ms Vijeta Chettri, Assistant Director, Tourism Department.

The Chairperson convened the meeting to introduce the members of the Film Promotion Board and to outline the key responsibilities of each department represented in the board.

During the meeting, several avenues for promoting films and developing film production in the state were discussed. Chairperson Mr Tashi Tshering Bhutia reiterated the need to promote Sikkim as a preferred film-shooting destination in order to attract filmmakers from across the country and beyond. He highlighted the importance of organising workshops and training sessions to develop skilled professionals such as camera operators, crane operators, spot assistants, background dancers, and others. He stated that this would create local employment opportunities and reduce the need to outsource skilled manpower.

Mr Tashi Tshering Bhutia also proposed the establishment of a single-window facility to facilitate film production-related enquiries in the state. He encouraged all members to share suggestions that could strengthen the film production ecosystem in Sikkim while contributing to the local economy. He further informed that necessary amendments to the existing policies and guidelines of the Film Board would be made through discussions and approval from its members.

At the outset, Mr Bishal Khawas, Additional Director, IPR Department, delivered the welcome address and presented a brief background of the Film Promotion Board.

Report from DIO-GANGTOK