Film industry voices concerns over proposed Cinema Bill
Dineshraj Dahal, Chairperson of the Film Development Board, called for amendments based on stakeholders’ feedback.
KATHMANDU: Film industry representatives and stakeholders have expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed Cinema Bill, saying it was being pushed forward without thorough review of its context, objectives, and potential impact.
During a discussion at the National Assembly’s Legislative Management Committee on Tuesday, stakeholders, including representatives of various film associations, urged the government to incorporate their suggestions before moving ahead.
Dineshraj Dahal, Chairperson of the Film Development Board, called for amendments based on stakeholders’ feedback.
He emphasized that 80% of the recommendations submitted by nine film-related organizations should be included in the bill.
Dahal also stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) should not be included in the bill and recommended a separate legal framework for AI and other emerging technologies, citing uncertainties about their scope and impact.
Film director Manoj Pandit questioned the intentions of the bill’s drafter and alleged that the Ministry of Communications staff were framing it to control the film sector.
He urged comprehensive revisions, pointing out inconsistencies in the statements of Communication Minister Jagdish Kharel regarding the bill and noting that it ignored key aspects of the film industry.
Samir Balami, President of the Film Journalists’ Association, suggested that the committee should thoroughly deliberate whether to withdraw or fully revise the bill.
He added that incorporating stakeholders’ suggestions through committee-led amendments would be the best approach.
Balami also highlighted the potential for the film sector to promote tourism and generate economic benefits if the bill is strengthened.
Responding to concerns, Minister Kharel clarified that the government had no intention of causing confusion regarding the bill and reaffirmed its commitment to addressing stakeholders’ concerns through broad amendments, while ruling out withdrawing the bill.
Most participants stressed that the bill should clearly protect the cultural and commercial identity of Nepali cinema, the rights and legal security of film workers, economic structures, and copyright protections.
