Uttarakhand International Film Festival in Dehradoon

Dr. R.K.Verma in Press Conference

Uttaranchal Film Chamber of Commerce, apex body of the Film Industry in the State, was formed in 2001 at Dehradun. It was inaugurated by Smt. Sushma Swaraj, the then Hon’ble Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting as the Chief Guest.Famous Film Maker and the then President of IMPPA and Film Federation of India, Shri Shakti Samanta, presided over the function. Others present on the occasion were Shri Nityanand Swami CM, Shri B.C.Khanduri, Central Minister, Shri K.S.Fonia Tourism Minister, Famous Film Makers Shri Ramanand Sagar, Shri K.C.Bokadia, Shri Ram Dayal, Shri Jawahar Kaul and Shri G.S. Mayawala, apart from several elite personalities of town.

In June, 2001 UFCC organized a three day Israeli Film Festival at Chhayadeep Cinema in Dehradun.

The Govt. of Uttaranchal later, in 2002 nominated to Chamber President Dr. R.K.Verma as the Chairman of the State Film Advisory Committee and requested him to formulate the State Film Policy, which was submitted to Govt. at the end of the year. Unfortunately the Film Policy could not be notified till day. A detailed Video Complex project was also submitted to the Govt. alongwith the Film Policy, but the fate remained unknown. The Chamber sent several reminders to the Govt. for promotion and development of the film industry in Uttarakhand but there was no response. However, the Chamber continued with its efforts to promote Cinema in the State. It is matter of pride and appreciation for Uttarakhand that President Dr. Verma was nominated as a Jury of the 36th International Film Festival at Goa.

Now, once again, UFCC has come forward with the organization of an International Film Festival from 23rd April to 29th April 2010 at Dehradun. The Festival is being organized in collaboration with the Films Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Govt. of India. Documentary Films, Short Films, Animation Films and Children Films of International repute will be screened during the Festival at Chhayadeep Cinema. A special package is also being planned for the film makers of Uttarakhand. Those desirous of being screened their suitable films in the Festival may contact the Festival Director, Dr. R.K.Verma at Mobile No. 9837082499 immediately. The requirement for the participation is a copy of the Feature, Short or Documentary Film in DVD Format alongwith the script and Censor Certificate, which will be forwarded to Bombay for the final approval.

One day of the Festival has been dedicated to the Children Films of National and International repute. The man objectives of the Uttarakhand International Film Festival 2010 are :-

–To promote the film industry in Uttarakhand and to make Uttarakhand a tourist paradise,
–To save environment i.e the holy river Ganga, Forest, Rich Biodiversity and the Himalayas,
–To conserve and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Dev-bhoomi,
–To create awareness among the people of Uttarakhand regarding films as a source of entertainment, and its educative and aesthetic values,
–To give an opportunity to independent documentary film makers, short film makers and animators with a view to encouraging individual talent in Uttarakhand.

This Festival will provide a unique platform for exchange of ideas, culture and experiences among Uttarakhand, other states of India and other countries in the field of cinema. It will also provide a powerful platform for Uttarakhand Film Makers to interact with other national and international film makers.

The Festival is being organized on noncommercial basis and there is no ticket for the shows, but a visitor has to fill a Delegate Form alongwith two stamp size photographs and after submitting the same with a registration fee of Rs. 100/- only he/she will receive the Delegate Card by which he/she will be entitled to film shows in Chhayadeep Cinema from 24th to 29th April 2010. The admission will be strictly on first come first serve basis. The Delegate Cards shall not be valid for the Inaugural and Closing Functions, for which separate Invitation cards will be issued. The last date for getting Enrolment as a Delegate is April 18, 2010. A late fee of Rs. 50 will be charged for issuance of the Delegate Cards after 18th April but upto 20th April 2010 only. The Festival Organizing Committee is also trying to get arranged an Exhibition at the venue, on Indian Cinema, by DAVP.

The Chamber is also bringing out a colorful Souvenir on this occasion which will be released by the Chief Guest on the Inaugural Day. The Souvenir, containing exclusive matter on Indian cinema, will be having various advertisements and will be circulated among all the registered Delegates and visiting guests in the Inaugural Function. The copies of the Souvenir will also be sent to the film fraternity at Bombay, Calcutta, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Delhi.
The publicity of the Festival is being arranged through advertisements in the dailies by the Davp, local publicity through Hoardings on the main sites in the city and Colored posters and Banners, displayed at all important places. The Cinema will also be decorated with Flex banners and miniature lighting.

Smt. Ambika Soni, Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Govt. of India has been invited as the Chief Guest of the Inaugural Function and her acceptance letter is being awaited. Other dignitaries invited for the Festival include Dr. Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Mr. Jagatrakshakan, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, various Ministers and important officials of Uttarakhand and elite of town. Mr. Kuldip Sinha, Chief Producer of the Films Division will also be present during the Festival alongwith Shri Dinesh Prabhakar, Festival Coordinator and other senior officers of the Films Division. Acceptance of few renowned film stars is also awaited and their names will be announced soon.

The Chamber President has extended his thanks and gratitude to the local authorities for their valuable cooperation and help. The Festival Committee has also thanked to the Print and Electronic Media for their support.

Dr. R.K.Verma, Director of the Festival has made an appeal to the people of Uttarakhand to participate at large scale and make the Festival a grand success. He has also requested to the people of Dehradun to cooperate the Festival Committee in organization of the Festival, being organized for the first time in Dehradun.

The present in the Press Conference, held at Hotel Relax, Dehradun were Vice President Rana Jaswant Singh, Gen. Secretary Dinesh Gusain, Treasurer Raju Rahi, Jt. Secy. Babita, Chairman Reception Committee Ashok Verma, Public Relation Officer Gajender Singh Rawat, Sanjeev Verma etc.