New deadline announced for govt film grants

Entertainment Desk :

As in previous years, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has invited submissions for
full-length and short film proposals to be considered for government grants.

While the initial deadline for submitting the story, screenplay, and overall production plan was April 7 at 4:00pm, it has now been extended to April 27.

This extension was confirmed in an official notice signed by Assistant Senior Secretary Sharmin Akhter on April 22.

The notice explained that to facilitate government funding for film production in the 2024-25 fiscal year, a public call was made on February 27 for comprehensive package proposals.

Eligible applicants include producers, directors, filmmakers, film professionals, related organisations, writers, and screenwriters.

The deadline extension does not affect the original conditions outlined in the earlier notice.
For this Fiscal year, the ministry plans to fund up to 12 full-length films and 20 short films, a total of a maximum of 32 projects.

Previously, applicants were instructed to submit a full proposal including the story, screenplay, names of actors, a production plan, and a list of cast and crew members-12 copies of each proposal are required.

It is also noted that the government retains the right to introduce new conditions even after grants are awarded.

The grant initiative aims to nurture talent and creativity in the film industry while preserving Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.

Interestingly, in the last FY (2023-24), although the original notice called for 10 full-length and 10 short films, grants were ultimately awarded to 20 full-length films and only 6 short ones.