Kerala to grant industry status to Malayalam cinema by September-end, says Minister
The Kerala government will accord industry status to the Malayalam cinema sector by the end of September, according to P.C. Vishnunadh, Minister for Culture and Cinema. The announcement was made as part of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government's 100-day action plan, with the October 9 deadline for its implementation.
The Minister said the assurance given to the Malayalam film industry would be fulfilled before the deadline. He was speaking to The Hindu on the progress of major initiatives under the Department of Culture.
According to Mr. Vishnunadh, the department has planned to complete three key projects within the stipulated timeframe. One of these is the revitalisation of the Sree Narayana Guru Cultural Complex in Kollam. The complex will be made active by scheduling programmes throughout the year as part of a broader initiative to link it with the Subrahmanyan Thirumumbu Cultural Complex in Kasaragod and the V.T. Bhattathiripad Cultural Complex in Palakkad.
On the grant of industry status to Malayalam cinema, the Minister said that stakeholder consultations are in their final stage. He added that meetings have been held with several departments, including Industries, Local Self-Government, Finance, and the Kerala State Electricity Board. The move is expected to provide formal recognition and support to the film sector.
Regarding the film literacy programme, the Minister said it will be rolled out in selected higher secondary schools and colleges in the first phase. The initiative, being implemented in association with the Department of General Education and the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, aims to introduce students to global cinema. It will encourage meaningful discussions on films and provide a platform for students to interact with filmmakers, thereby expanding their understanding of cinema and its diverse aspects.
The decision to step up activities at the three cultural complexes follows an assessment that these institutions have not yet reached their full potential, despite having the capability to host a variety of programmes throughout the year. The Minister said the government plans to appoint curators as part of efforts to create spaces where artists can perform regularly. A professional administration will be put in place to manage these cultural complexes.
The 100-day action plan of the UDF government, which came to power earlier this year, includes several commitments in the culture and cinema sectors. The industry status for Malayalam cinema has been a long-standing demand of the film fraternity. The government has been working towards fulfilling the promise within the announced timeline.
These initiatives aim to strengthen the cultural infrastructure of the state and promote cinema as a significant sector of the economy. With the consultations nearing completion, the formal announcement for industry status is expected to be made before the September-end deadline, as stated by the Minister.
