Mumbai, Oct 29 (IANS) Gujarat Tourism has collaborated with the NFDC Film Bazaar as a State Partner for 2016 to promote the state as a film-friendly destination.
The state, which won the National Film Award for being the Most Film Friendly State in 2015, has been following an aggressive tourism policy approach in the area of developing and promoting tourism.
Gujarat Tourism participated in the Film Bazaar for the first time in 2012 and took up a Film Office in 2015 to promote Gujarat as filming destination.
Film Bazaar facilitated Gujarat in setting up one-on-one meetings with some of the prominent Bollywood filmmakers, including Rajkumar Hirani, Anurag Kashyap, Kabir Khan, Anurag Basu, Vikas Bahl, Rohan Sippy and Karan Malhotra who gave constructive feedback to the state tourism department.
Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar, who attended the Knowledge Series session at NFDC's Film Bazaar 2015 shot his film "Piku" in Gujarat.
"Gujarat is one of the few states in India which actually has a single window clearance for permissions to shoot," Sircar said in a statement.
Talking about the association, the spokesperson of Gujarat Tourism said: "Picturesque locations, friendly people, efficient administration and robust infrastructure make Gujarat the most encouraging state for film and its promotion."
"Each year, we aim for a better and healthy partnership for better exposure with the national and international film fraternity".
The Film Bazaar is organised by the NFDC (National Film Development Corporation of India), which is appointed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). NFDC is the official body for all the permissions related to shooting of films in the country.
"By having a Film Office and being involved with the Film Felicitation Office activities we seek to align with the rules and norms of the MIB and attract more filmmakers -- Indian and international -- to come and shoot in Gujarat," the Gujarat Tourism spokesperson added.
The Gujarat state government has passed a Film Cell Resolution to facilitate production houses with assistance in film shooting permissions and other incentives.
Gujarat Tourism's major aim is in 100 per cent sync with the vision and mission of the Tourism Policy 2015-2020 which puts a strong emphasis on positioning the state as a vibrant tourist destination with an emphasis on improving visitor experience, livelihood linkages, environmental concerns and enhancing investment opportunities.
