Telangana filmmakers in for a rude shock

Young and seasoned Telangana filmmakers were in for a rude shock as Andhra-born filmmakers turned up in huge numbers to enroll themselves in the empanelment board to be constituted by the Telangana State Film Development Corporation on Monday.

According to sources, out of the 170-members to be appointed, only 30 to 40 members hailed from 31 districts of TS, while more than 140 members were from Andhra filmmakers. “It is the most unfortunate day for the TS filmmakers as we lost in count to Andhra-born filmmakers.

We lost many an opportunity in the united AP. Even now in the new state we seem to be on the losing side,” rues director Prem Raj, who felt that new notification issued by the Telangana State Film Development Corporation would provide more opportunities for the young and seasoned TS filmmakers.

“A filmmaker hailing from any of the 31 districts will make a tourism film or a documentary on important tourism sport or cultural event in Telangana with more soul and passion, unlike an Andhra-born maker since it will be just a business for him to make a quick buck,” he adds.

The TSFDC empanelment will enable makers to make state-funded advertisements, documentaries and tourism videos which are made anywhere between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1 crore.

“There are many aspiring and short filmmakers besides seasoned filmmakers in TS who are capable and equipped to make captivating and engaging documentaries.

We are no less than others in talent and visualizing refreshing ideas, but we pray for opportunities to showcase of our creativity in new state,” he concludes.