Kerala Tourism is to join hands with the film industry to promote the State’s picturesque tourist destinations through movies. The initiative is part of Kerala Tourism’s Visit Kerala Year 2015 that began on April 15 to promote the destination.
Film tourism
“With this collaborative initiative, Kerala Tourism can tap the potential for film tourism using the Indian film industry which has an annual turnover of over Rs.1,200 crore,” Tourism Minister A.P. Anil Kumar told a meeting of the representatives of film fraternity, organised by the Tourism Department here on Wednesday. “Unlike other southern States, Kerala has some restrictions in filming certain key areas, which comes under the Forest, Cultural Affairs, Archaeology, and Water Resources Departments. The film fraternity will discuss these issues with the respective Ministers to formulate a one-stop solution,” Mr. Anil Kumar said.
Director, Kerala Tourism, P.I. Sheikh Pareeth said necessary steps would be taken to ensure smooth progress of film shoots at 100 destinations in the State which came under the department.
Secretary, Tourism, G. Kamala Vardhana Rao said events such as the Nehru Trophy boat race and Thrissur Pooram could be used in any Indian movies and film was the best medium to showcase the events to a worldwide audience. Representatives of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA) took part. Kerala State Film Development Corporation Ltd. (KSFDC) Principal Secretary (Labour and Skills) Tom Jose and Secretary (General Administration) K.R. Jyothilal were present.
