Improve quality of films: Minister Sharma

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 6: Minister for Communication and Information Technology Rekha Sharma has said that due attention should be paid to the quality of movies rather than their quantity.

Addressing a programme organised by the Nepal Film Producer's Association to congratulate the newly elected and appointed office bearers and members of various organisations of the Nepali film industry and exchange best wishes on the occasion of the Nepali New Year 2080, she stressed the need for improving the quality of Nepali films.

"In the past, when the number of films was low and technology was not in use, it was necessary to increase the number of our films,"  she said. "But now technology is being used to the highest degree and it is time to compete with the international film industry, so it is necessary to pay attention to quality."

Urging the filmmakers to develop the Nepali film sector and make it competitive at the international level, she expressed the government's commitment to support in formulating required laws and policies.

 Mentioning that the Film Development Board is active as a government body for policy work for the development of the film sector, she requested the filmmakers to centralise the problems and policy solutions of the film sector through the FDB.

Stating that the Nepali film industry is still guided by the Act of 2026 BS, Minister Sharma said that the law for the black and white films could not be relevant in the digital era of today, so a process to amend the Film Act has been started.

 Mentioning that the Film Development Board is currently preparing a draft, she also expressed her commitment to finalise it from the ministry as soon as possible.

She said, “Since film is a powerful medium of the mass media sector, it is also necessary to mobilise it as a means to convey the message of political and social changes.”

 "Film industry is not only a means of entertainment, it is also a means to disseminate message," Minister Sharma said. "Therefore, it is necessary to pay equal attention to maintain a balance in the content, message and artistic aspect while making a film."

She also expressed her belief that since Nepal is a beautiful country in terms of natural and cultural diversity, if it was presented well in the movies and promoted at the national and international level, it could contribute greatly to the prosperity of the country.

The newly elected and appointed office bearers and members of various associations of the Nepali film industry were honoured by the Film Producers Association. 

The association also honoured Minister Sharma in the programme.