By Renuka Dhakal
Kathmandu, Jan. 28: The Film and Entertainment Forum has been formally expanded under the Federation of Nepalese Chambers and Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).
The Forum was expanded in the presence of Shekhar Golchha, president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers and Commerce (FNCCI), vice president Anjan Shrestha, Aakash Adhikari--executive member of Federation and chairman of the Film and Entertainment Forum, doctor and lyricist Bhola Rijal and various people from the film and music sectors.
The event was held at the FNCCI headquarters on Tuesday.
One of the goals of the FNCCI is to preserve the art and culture of the country, and this Forum has been formed to realise this, said Forum chairman and filmmaker Aakash Adhikari.
Stressing the need for forming the Forum, Adhikari said that the main objective of the programme was to develop and promote the film industry in the coming days and sustain the dignity of the FNCCI.
He said that due to the tireless efforts of the FNCCI and the film industry, the service-oriented film sector had now become a nationally recognised industry.
He said that the plan now was to formulate a policy for the film, music and entertainment industries.
As the entertainment sector has become a nationally recognised industry, the main agenda of the plan was to focus on the regulation and law making of the industry, to take initiative in promoting Nepali films through Nepali embassies abroad, to prioritse Nepali films like agro-tourism industry and to play a coordinating role on policy issues.
Shekhar Golchha, president of FNCCI, said that film had been one of the most affected areas by the COVID-19 pandemic and the FNCCI would help in the promotion and development of the entertainment sector in coordination with the concerned sectors.
Stating that film is an important sector to reflect art and culture of the country, Golchha said that necessary initiatives should be taken to bring the required equipment to the film sector in Nepal.
He stressed the need for building necessary infrastructure for the film and entertainment industry, including the construction of a film city in coordination with the FNCCI and the entertainment sector.
Pointing out that there were many challenges to investing in the field of film, he said that the artistes should be paid according to their ability and those working in this field should be respected as individuals working in other fields and the federation should give priority to the development and promotion of this field.
Bhola Rijal, the Forum's advisor and senior doctor, who quit the film industry after producing eight films, hinted that he might return to the film industry.
Various people from the film and music sectors received the official letter from the FNCCI amid the programme as the Forum members.
Comedian Kedar Ghimire (Magne Buda), singers Indira Joshi, Chetan Sapkota, Manju Paudyal, actress Nita Dhungana, film critic Samipya Timalsena, Rachana Shrestha, Amrit Khadka and Kausal Regmi among others received the membership of the Forum.