Nov 23, Kathmandu - Filmmakers have stressed the need to make the Film Development Board independent and autonomous. In a meeting of the National Assembly's Legislative Management Committee held here today, they expressed the view that since film has recently become an industry along with entertainment, the state should prioritize it accordingly.

The committee collected suggestions from those concerned with amending the Film Bill, 2026. During the collection of suggestions, representatives of nine different organizations related to film production, including filmmakers, directors, artists, and producers, gave suggestions in the meeting today.

Film director KP Pathak, artist and producer Khagendra Lamichhane, and Central President of the Film Journalists Association Samir Balami, among others, expressed the view that Nepali films should adopt a policy of entering into agreements with other countries. Their demand was that the Film Censor Board of Nepal should be flexible and easy.

According to journalist Balami, the revenue generated by films to the state has increased recently, and the state's investment in the film sector is inadequate. Artist Lamichhane, who is also the General Secretary of the Producers Association, emphasized the need for such a practice in Nepal, citing examples of agreements being made for industry and business in other countries.

Mohan Niraula of the Nepal Film Artists Association said that the Film Development Board should be operated autonomously. After the discussion, the reports prepared by nine organizations related to films have been handed over to President Tulsa Kumari Dahal.

President Dahal urged the necessary amendments to the report submitted today and submit the final report within seven days. He informed that the Legislative Committee will hold a clause-by-clause discussion on the Film Bill from Mangsir 9. After that, the bill will be discussed in the National Assembly.

He also said that the committee has emphasized on drafting a bill related to film rights after taking opinions and suggestions from those concerned.