The “Grant to Films – Regional Dialects of Uttarakhand” scheme was introduced under the Uttarakhand Film Policy 2024 by the Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Uttarakhand. The scheme aims to promote regional and children’s cinema, encourage film shooting within Uttarakhand, create local employment opportunities, support local and regional films and artists, and generate revenue for the state. Under this scheme, grants and subsidies are provided to filmmakers and producers to cover expenses incurred during film production. Additional incentives are available for children’s films, and OTT-based projects are also eligible under specific conditions.

Scheme Implementation: The scheme is implemented by the Film Development Council, Dehradun, and involves review by technical and financial committees.

Benefits

• During film shooting in Uttarakhand, 50% of the expenditure incurred in the State or up to ₹2 Crore, whichever is less, may be granted.
• For children’s films, an additional grant of 10% will be given in addition to the sanctioned amount of subsidy.
• The maximum sanctioned amount of the grant will be accessed based on the quality and technical aspects of the film.

Note: Grant amount depends on technical quality and creative merit of the film. In order to qualify for the grant – 90% of total expenses of film must be paid through bank, cheque, online medium, internet banking, UPI, digital mediums, etc. Cash transactions are strongly discouraged. It will only be permitted in unavoidable circumstances on the Chartered Accountant’s certification. Provided that, in any case the total cash expenditure shall not be allowed more than 10% of the total expenditure.

Eligibility

• The applicant should be a film producer or their duly authorized representative (individual/institution).
• The applicant must ensure 75% of the shooting takes place within Uttarakhand.
• The film must dedicate 75% of its total screen time to footage shot in Uttarakhand.
• The film must be shot in minimum 4K resolution, with Dolby Digital or higher sound quality.
• The applicant must obtain a shooting permission letter issued by the Film Development Council.
• The film must have been shown on at least 5 cinema screens (excluding OTT broadcasts).
• Films released on OTT platforms must provide a copy of the executed agreement with the OTT provider.
• lt is required that every filming location within the State where the film was shot be included in the credits roll.
• For grant eligibility, only film production expenses incurred within the State are eligible.

Notes: Certificate from Central Board of Film Certification (Censor Board) is required.

Exclusion

Expenses/Funding for film marketing, promotion, and release will not be eligible for grant.

Application Process

Offline

• Step 1: After obtaining censor certificate and exhibition, apply to the Film Development Council.
• Step 2: Submit expenses, scripts, and agreements.
• Step 3: Review by technical and financial committee.
• Step 4: Approval by SLEC and disbursement.

Documents Required

• Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
• Shooting Permission Letter (issued by the Film Development Council)
• Detailed Statement of Expenses incurred in Uttarakhand
• Chartered Accountant’s Certificate (authenticating the expenses and mode of transaction)
• Invoices/Bills (for all production-related costs incurred in the state)
• Certificate of Exhibition in Minimum 5 Cinema Screens (Not required for OTT films)
• Copy of OTT Agreement (For films released on approved OTT platforms)
• Undertaking/Affidavit that no marketing or promotional expenses are included in the grant claim
• Copy of the Final Film (Digital or physical media as specified)