Kannada film, TV professionals form federation

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, MAY 14. Nine professional organisations of the Kannada film industry have joined hands to launch the Karnataka Film and TV Technicians' Federation (KFTVTF) in an effort to streamline the industry, and to utilise the benefits accruing from the Union Government's decision to accord industry status to film-making.

Announcing the formation of KFTVTF, its designated president and noted film maker, Mr. S.V. Rajendra Singh, told presspersons here on Monday that the move was a united effort with the overall interest of Kannada cinema and television media in mind. The objective of the federation was to ensure job security for all those involved in the Kannada film industry. Besides, it was time to improve the working atmosphere and instill discipline in the Kannada cinema and television programme production sector.

With film-making having been accorded industry status, cinema workers would be eligible for Provident Fund, insurance schemes, ESI facilities, education grants and other benefits. However, the KFTVTF would lay emphasis on the rights, responsibilities and accountability of its members, he said.

Replying to questions, he clarified that although KFTVTF had been officially registered, it was an ad hoc body and formal elections would be held in a couple of months.

Nine established professional bodies -- the Karnataka Film Directors' Association, Writers' Association, Cinematographers' Association, Still Photographers' Association, Music Directors' Association, Editors' Association, Sound Recordists' Association, Artists' Association and Stunt Directors' and Artists' Association had identified themselves with KFTVTF. A number other such professional bodies would join KFTVTF in due course, he said.

Asked whether KFTVTF was a parallel body to the Karnataka Chalana Chitra Karmikara Okkoota, Mr. Singh said that KFTVTF was neither a parallel body nor a rival. The KFTVTF was basically made up of skilled workers. The karmikara okkoota was affiliated to the All- India Confederation of Film Federations. The KFTVTF would also apply for affiliation after its officer-bearers were elected, he said.

Denying that nobody had sought funds from IDBI, the official bank for financing film projects, he said over 1,000 applications pending before IDBI. Although there were some initial hiccups in raising finances for non-Hindi films from IDBI, the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce had taken up the issue with the Union Government and sorted it out, he said.

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Section  : Southern States
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