New Delhi; Phalguna 22, 1927
March 13, 2006

The Government has taken a policy decision to support film festivals by according exemption from certification to certain categories of films. However, this is subject to a formal application to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and fulfillment of some pre-requisites.

A broad-based Committee comprising academicians, officials and members of the film industry was constituted to look into the matter regarding exemption from the process of certification of films entered into the various film festivals. The Committee's report was accepted by the Government and it was decided that all films entered into various film festivals, including foreign and Indian films, would be considered for exemption from the process of certification under Section 9 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 provided they are confined to delegates and the festival is non-commercial in nature. This Ministry's Officer memorandum dated 17th January, 2006 is available on the Ministry's website www.mib.nic.in.

The foreign films being entered into the various film festivals in this country would not have to wait for being certified before entry into the festivals.

This Information was given by Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri P. R. Dasmunsi in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

RS/NSK/AS