Santhali films not getting government help: AISFA

Santali and other regional films in Jharkhand, despite having enough potential, are not getting any support from the state government, rued members of All India Santali Film Association (AISFA).

Jamshedpur: Santhali and other regional films in Jharkhand, despite having enough potential, are not getting any support from the state government, rued members of All India Santali Film Association (AISFA).

"There is no dearth of talent and Jharkhand is full of scenic beauty. But the approach of the state government is not encouraging to promote Santali and other regional films," President of AISFA, Ramesh Hansda, said here today. Hansda, also a local JMM leader, said AISFA has approached Jharkhand government several times but no help has been provided even to organise the last two All India Santali Film Festival-cum-Jharkhand Cine awards. AISFA generated funds in the tune of Rs 12-14 lakh for the annual function with majority of sponsors helping out. Referring to the upcoming edition of the festival-cum-awards, he said preparation has already begun for the five-day event. Around 15 to 20 films in Santali, Nagpuri and Kotha language from across the country including West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand will be screened during the film festival. Though the details are yet to be chalked out, Hansda said that AISFA has decided to give Rs 25,000 cash award in the lifetime achievement category and Rs 20,000 to the best Santali film. PTI