Like every year, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has invited full-length and short-length film proposals for government grants. This shows that the number of full-length films is decreasing compared to the past, while short films are increasing.
According to the notification of the Ministry of Information, in the 2024-25 fiscal year, grants will be given to a maximum of 12 full-length films and a maximum of 20 short films. In total, the ministry has announced that grants will be given to 32 films. In this case, full-length films must be at least 70 minutes long and short films must be within 30 minutes in length.
Producers, directors and other film professionals can apply for grants subject to 14 conditions. The notification further states that only domestic filmmakers and producers can apply for grants.
This time, the government will provide grants for the maximum number of short films. In the 2023-24 fiscal years, 20 full-length and 6 short films were given grants.
Producers, directors, film personalities and professionals in related fields can submit stories. Even at the same time, any individual or organization can apply for full-length and short films in separate proposals.
However, in the case of full-length films, no producer will be eligible to apply again until the first film granted the grant is released and in the case of short films, until the certification board clears it for release.
The notification of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting further states that interested parties must submit a complete package including the story outline, screenplay and names of the cast and crew to the Ministry of Information by 4 pm on April 7. Twelve copies of each complete proposal, including the overall production plan, list of artists and crew, must be submitted. The government can impose any new conditions even after granting the grant.
The government gives grants every year to encourage talent and creativity in the film industry and to uphold the existing culture of Bangladesh. Last year (23-24 fiscal year) the notification called for grants for 10 full-length and 10 short films, but in the end, grants were given to 20 full-length and only 6 short films.
