Parliament Question: Funds allocation under 'Export Promotion through Film Festivals'

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3290 TO BE ANSWERED ON 20.03.2026 FUNDS ALLOCATION UNDER “EXPORT PROMOTION THROUGH FILM FESTIVALS” 3290: SHRI R. GIRIRAJAN:

Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state: a) whether Government has allocated funds under plan schemes titled 'Export Promotion through Film Festivals', if so, the details thereof;

b) whether Government has increased incentives for foreign film production in India to 40 per cent of expenses, with a cap of up to ₹30 crore per project, if so, the details thereof; and c) whether the Ministry has provided funds to conduct International Film Festival of India

(IFFI) and International film festival at Delhi, if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (DR. L. MURUGAN)

(a) to (c): There is no scheme named “Export Promotion through Film Festivals”. However, the Government promotes Indian cinema and facilitates international collaborations through Development, Communication & Dissemination of Filmic Content (DCDFC) Scheme.

Further, financial support under DCDFC scheme is provided for participation in major international film festivals, for organizing film festivals in India, National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM) and promotion of Indian cinema through Indian Missions to support film- related promotional activities and showcasing of Indian cinema internationally.

At the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on 20 November 2023, the Government announced a major revision to the scheme and enhanced the incentives for encouraging film production by international producers in India to 40 percent of the expenses that were earlier limited to 30 percent. The revised incentives include:

1. 30% base reimbursement,

2. 5% bonus for employing at least 15% Indian manpower, and

3. 5% bonus for Significant Indian Content (SIC).Further, the maximum incentive cap per project was also enhanced to ₹30 crore per project from ₹2.5 crore per project.

To promote and synergize the Indian Film Industry at the International level, the Government organizes the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) every year from 20th -28th November in collaboration with the Government of Goa. For the 56th edition of IFFI, 2025, the Government has provided Rs.39.43 Cr. under the Development, Communication & Dissemination of Filmic Content Scheme (DCDFC).

Further, no funds were provided for International Film Festival at Delhi. *****