Government Committed to Modernizing Film Industry with New Bill

Kathmandu. Minister for Communications and Information Dr. Vikram Timilsina has stated that the government is serious about making the Film Bill 2082, which has come from the National Assembly to the House of Representatives, timely, modern, and conducive to uplifting the film sector.

Responding to questions raised during the discussion on the Film Bill in today's meeting of the House of Representatives, Minister of Communications Timilsina said that the government will constructively consider the suggestions given by the parliamentarians, keeping in mind the spirit and objectives of the bill.

He mentioned that he has been continuously discussing with various personalities related to the film sector and taking suggestions, and stated that the government is serious about the issues that should be included in the bill, the current needs of the film sector, expectations from the government, and aspects of legal reform.

He said, 'Is this bill timely or not? What is the film sector looking for? And what are the expectations from the government?' We are taking these matters seriously, he said. Minister of Communications Timilsina mentioned that the film sector has entered the process of legal reform after a long time, and the bill will be further refined by incorporating the suggestions of experts in the parliamentary committees.

He informed that the ministry will study the suggestions received regarding everything from the definition of film to structural and managerial aspects, and stated that the government is committed to necessary amendments and reforms.

Minister Timilsina also expressed confidence that the suggestions and feedback received from the parliament will help make the bill stronger and more effective.

The proposal 'Consideration of the Film Bill 2082, which originated in the National Assembly' was unanimously approved by today's meeting of the House of Representatives.

The government has moved forward with the new bill, stating that it is necessary to update the old Film Act, which has been in effect since 2026 BS, and to make new legal provisions in line with the federal structure, inclusivity, and new technology. The Ministry of Communications has advanced this bill, stating that a new act is necessary to develop the film sector not just as a medium of entertainment but as a social, cultural, and creative industry.

The bill includes objectives such as promoting Nepal as an international tourist destination through films, making mandatory pre-screening checks for domestic and foreign films, and making the development, expansion, promotion, and regulation of Nepali films effective.

Similarly, it has been stated that the National Communications Policy 2073 BS and the National Film Policy 2071 BS have been used as a basis for drafting the bill, along with the provisions of the constitution of Nepal. It has been stated that new laws are necessary to conserve and develop language, script, culture, literature, art, film, and heritage in accordance with the policy related to social and cultural transformation as per the constitution.

The bill proposes to develop the Film Development Board as a more empowered and autonomous body. Currently, the board operates with limited authority, and efforts are being made to expand the legal basis for organizing film production, distribution, and exhibition, and to strengthen its regulatory role.

The government has also set a goal to make Nepal an attractive destination for filmmaking internationally. It has been pointed out that the board needs to be further strengthened in the context of the Film Development Board already being a member of the Asian Film Commission Network and expanding relations with various international film organizations.

The bill also gives special priority to making the box office system effective in the film sector. The bill states that the box office system will be made mandatory and systematic to make details related to ticket sales, revenue, tax, screening duration, and popularity transparent. This is expected to help make the financial transactions within the film sector transparent.

The bill aims to develop the Nepali film industry as a formal industry. Special emphasis has been placed on protecting the labor rights of filmmakers, promoting films in mother tongues, and conserving and internationalizing the artistic and intellectual films of indigenous communities. Provisions have also been proposed in the bill to expand the market for domestic films, attract foreign investment, and legally regulate the use of new technology.

After the new act comes into effect, it is expected that film production, distribution, and exhibition will become more organized, accountability in the film sector will increase, and the board's income sources and scope of work will expand.

It has also been stated that this will help establish Nepali films as creative, cultural, and entertainment industries at national and international levels.