A new film bill draws sharp criticism from Nepali entertainment industry

Nepal's film industry faces turbulence over a proposed film bill brought forth by the KP Sharma Oli administration. Filmmakers are vehemently critiquing the bill, alleging that if implemented in its current form, it will severely constrict artistic liberty and impose undue constraints on artists and cinemas. The bill extends far-reaching authority to the film censor board, encompassing oversight not only of feature films but also short movies, documentaries, and music videos, while mandating screenings to commence with the national anthem.

Line Production in Nepal

According to critics like producer Madhav Wagley, these stringent stipulations will exacerbate the already challenging filmmaking environment in Nepal. Wagley advocates for the censor board to function as a rating body rather than exerting unwarranted control over content. Young filmmakers, exemplified by Rajan Kathet, express apprehension regarding the bill's implications on their creative expression, particularly concerning subjects like Nepal's civil conflict. They view the mandatory registration fees and censorship for shorter films as obstructive barriers that could hinder artistic freedom.

Despite the Film Development Board's defense of the bill, citing the need to modernize antiquated film laws, there's significant opposition from filmmakers who feel marginalized by the government's lack of support for independent creators. There remains skepticism among filmmakers about the proposed changes, doubting the bill's alignment with creative freedom and expressing concerns about the bill's added bureaucratic complexities for independent storytellers.

Source : https://kathmandupost.com/politics/2019/08/03/a-new-film-bill-draws-sharp-criticism-from-nepali-entertainment-industry