Santali films not getting government help: AISFA

Jamshedpur (Jharkhand), Feb 14 (PTI) Despite having enough potential to promote films in Jharkhand, Santali and other regional films have not been getting any support from the state government, members of All India Santali Film Association (AISFA) said today. "There is no dearth of talent and Jharkhand is full of its 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 was 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 crore for the annual function with majority of sponsors helping out. Referring the coming 3rd All India Santali and Regional Film Festival-cum-Jharkhand Cine awards, he said preparation has already begun to hold the five-day festival. Around 15 to 20 films in Santali, Nagpuri and Kotha language films from across the country including West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand will be screened during the film festival. Though the details of awards were yet to chalk out, he said that AISFA has decided to give Rs 25,000 cash award in the lifetime achievement category and Rs 20,000 best Santali film.