Jharkhand News : Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday said the state has immense potential for filmmaking and creative industries, adding that the government is committed to providing young artists and filmmakers with world-class opportunities.
Addressing the MoU signing ceremony between the Jharkhand Film Development Corporation Limited (JFDC) and the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata, the Chief Minister described the collaboration as a historic step towards developing a vibrant film ecosystem in the state.
Soren said the partnership would offer aspiring filmmakers, actors, technicians and content creators access to modern training, advanced technology and a national platform. He termed the initiative the beginning of a new journey that will help nurture Jharkhand’s untapped creative talent.
Jharkhand Emerging as a Film Destination
Highlighting the state’s cinematic potential, the Chief Minister said several acclaimed films have been shot in Jharkhand, including Dil Bechara, M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story and Gangs of Wasseypur. He also noted that legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray had worked in the region, while renowned director Prakash Jha received his education in Jharkhand.
He referred to the recent National Award received by the Santali short film Aangen as evidence of the state’s growing talent and said the proposed Jharkhand Film and Television Institute (JFTI) would help identify and groom emerging artists.
New Career Opportunities for Youth
Soren said career aspirations have evolved beyond traditional professions like medicine and engineering, with creative industries now offering significant employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. He expressed confidence that the new platform would enable Jharkhand’s youth to build successful careers in filmmaking, acting, cinematography, editing, animation and digital content creation.
Quoting the late Padma Shri Dr. Ram Dayal Munda’s famous saying, “Je Nachi Se Bachi” (“Those who dance survive”), the Chief Minister said every person in Jharkhand possesses artistic talent that deserves recognition and encouragement.
Noted Filmmakers Honoured
During the event, the Chief Minister felicitated several acclaimed filmmakers, including three-time National Film Award winner Biju Toppo, National Award-winning Santali filmmaker Raviraj Murmu for Aangen, filmmaker Anuj Kumar, whose films Belonging to Untouchable God and The Turtle Story received international recognition, and National Award-winning Kurukh filmmaker Niranjan Kujur for Edpa Kana.
The ceremony was attended by Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore, Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Information and Public Relations Department Special Secretary Rajiv Lochan Bakshi, SRFTI Vice-Chancellor Samiran Dutta, Dean Sukanta Majumdar, senior academics from Sarala Birla University and Vinoba Bhave University, filmmakers, and students.
