Every year, the government allocates grants for film production, but many films have struggled to meet deadlines. Filmmakers have often voiced concerns that the allotted time for production is insufficient, resulting in delays. Now, a solution has been introduced to address these issues.

The government has extended the time frame for filmmakers to complete their grant-funded films. Additionally, several other significant changes have been introduced in the regulations concerning timelines, payment disbursements, and film releases.

On March 6, the government issued a notification for the "Government Grant Policy for Full-Length Film Production, 2025" and the "Government Grant Policy for Short Film Production, 2025". The new policy includes several important changes aimed at improving the film production process:

Under the new policy, 12 full-length films will be eligible for grants each fiscal year, an increase from the previous limit of 10. The number of short films eligible for grants has also risen from 10 to 20 per year.

While the previous policy placed a special emphasis on films about the Liberation War, this category has been given less priority in the new policy. The revised policy specifies that grants will include at least: one documentary film, one children's film, and one film on political history, covering the significant uprisings, movements, and revolutions that shaped the political landscape of Bengal. 

In response to ongoing concerns about fair compensation, the new policy has raised the honorarium for writers and screenwriters. Story writers will now receive Tk 2 lakh as an incentive, while screenwriters will be awarded Tk 3 lakh. Previously, both were given Tk 50,000 each.

To ensure experienced filmmakers are involved in grant-funded films, the new policy requires that the proposing director must have previously directed at least one film or have had a significant role in the production of one or more films.

Under the previous policy, filmmakers were given 9 months to complete a feature film. The new policy extends this period to 18 months after receiving the first instalment of the grant.

The timelines for short films and documentaries have also been extended: short films now have 12 months for production, while documentaries have 24 months.

Filmmakers can apply for extensions in special circumstances: feature films can receive up to two six-month extensions, while short films can receive up to two three-month extensions.

Changes have also been made to the payment process, ensuring more transparency and timely disbursement of funds:

First instalment: The initial instalment will cover 20 percent of the total grant. Within two months of receiving this amount, filmmakers must submit essential documents such as the shooting schedule, production plan, location permits, and artiste contracts.

Second instalment: If approved by the film selection and supervision committee, the next 50 percent of the grant will be disbursed. 

Third instalment: Filmmakers will need to submit proof of at least 50 percent rough cut footage and evidence of artistes' payments to receive 20 percent of the grant.

Final instalment: The remaining 10 percent will be disbursed after the film is released.

Under the new policy, filming, editing, dubbing, and other post-production activities can be conducted at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) or its affiliated institutions. The BFDC may offer up to a 50 percent discount on service charges for these services. Furthermore, the policy clarifies that producers, directors, or applicants do not need to be members of any association to avail of these facilities.

The new policy also introduces rules for the release of grant-funded films—they must be screened in at least five cinemas across the country, or in at least 10 district-level venues, such as Information Complexes, Shilpakala Academy auditoriums, public auditoriums, or OTT platforms. These films will also receive priority over other films in theatres. To encourage theatre owners to screen these films, the government will provide tax incentives and other benefits.

The policy states that if filmmakers fail to submit their films within the specified time frame, the government will take legal action. Additionally, screenplays for films that are still in production or already released will not be accepted. If a grant-funded film is found to be non-original or if the filmmaker breaches the contract, the grant money must be returned with interest.

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Government to provide grants for 32 films

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has invited screenplay submissions for film grants for the fiscal year 2024-25. Interested applicants must submit a complete package, including the film's story, screenplay, and cast details,to the ministry by 4pm on April 7.