KFCC Delegation Meets Karnataka CM to Push for New Film Policy, Subsidies, and Film City
In a meeting held in Bengaluru, a delegation from the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) led by its president Dr. Jayamala presented a list of demands to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The delegation sought a new film policy, increased subsidies for Kannada productions, a faster rollout of the long‑delayed Film City project, and the allocation of five acres of land from the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA).
The KFCC, which represents producers, distributors and exhibitors in the state, has repeatedly called for institutional support as Kannada cinema faces a rapidly changing market. Dr. Jayamala, who took over the presidency of the chamber in 2026, said the meeting was one of her first major policy engagements after assuming the role. The chamber’s agenda reflects concerns about the rise of over‑the‑top (OTT) platforms and the need for a policy framework that addresses regional cinema’s challenges.
The delegation’s primary request is a new film policy that would amend the existing Cinematograph Act to account for digital distribution and other emerging formats. The KFCC also urged the government to review and increase the subsidy scheme that currently supports Kannada films. According to the chamber, higher financial incentives would help the industry compete with productions from other linguistic markets and encourage higher‑quality content.
Another key demand is the acceleration of the Film City project, which has remained on paper for years despite multiple announcements. The chamber argues that a dedicated film‑production complex would provide modern infrastructure, attract investment, and position Karnataka as a prominent production hub in India. The KFCC said that the lack of a functional Film City has limited the growth of local filmmakers and reduced the state’s share in national box‑office receipts.
The request for five acres of land from the BDA is intended to facilitate the construction of studios, post‑production facilities and other support services. The chamber believes that securing this land would create a critical mass of infrastructure that could serve the entire Kannada film ecosystem. The BDA has not yet confirmed whether the land can be released for this purpose.
Chief Minister Shivakumar responded to the delegation by affirming the government’s commitment to supporting Kannada cinema. He said the demands would be examined and asked officials to study the proposals, including the land request and policy reforms. The CM’s statement was issued in a brief press release following the meeting, with no further details on timelines or implementation plans.
The meeting comes amid broader industry trends that see audiences increasingly consuming content across multiple platforms and facing heightened competition from other regional film industries. The KFCC’s call for structural reforms beyond financial assistance reflects a strategic shift toward long‑term institutional support. The chamber’s leadership has emphasized the need for a collaborative relationship with the state to secure sustainable growth for Kannada cinema.
Industry observers note that the KFCC’s demands align with recent government initiatives aimed at boosting the film sector. In March 2026, the Karnataka government announced reforms that included a single‑window platform for film permits, expansion of the Film City, and a review of subsidy policies. The new policy proposals are expected to be discussed in upcoming cabinet meetings.
At present, the KFCC has not set a deadline for the government’s response. The chamber has requested that officials provide a written reply within a month of the meeting. Until a formal decision is made, the industry will continue to monitor the government’s actions on policy, subsidies, and infrastructure development.
