Modern film city planned in Gazipur

The Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) is set to build a state-of-the-art film city in Gazipur to rejuvenate the country's struggling film industry.

The government plans to allocate around Tk 5.07 billion from the national exchequer for the project, which will be developed on land acquired for Tk 198 million in Gazipur City Corporation and Kabirpur area under Kaliakoir upazila.

A project proposal submitted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is awaiting final approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in a meeting scheduled for next Sunday, according to Planning Commission officials.

The project aims to establish a modern film city equipped with advanced facilities, including shooting spots and floors, procurement of shooting equipment, and post-production studios. It also plans to provide accommodation for artists, technicians, and tourists, alongside an eco-park and landscaped areas within the film city.

"Ultimately, this initiative seeks to strengthen the country's film industry, boost BFDC's revenue, and contribute to foreign currency savings," said an official at BFDC.

Initially, the ministry proposed the project at a cost exceeding Tk 10 billion, but the financing plan was later reduced by roughly half.

Currently, BFDC has developed various infrastructures on about 7.5 acres in the capital's Tejgaon, primarily for indoor shooting. However, outdoor shooting facilities have been a long-standing demand of filmmakers, necessitating a dedicated film city.

The first phase of the "Bangladesh Film City" project was implemented from October 2015 to June 2018 at a cost of Tk 198 billion. The complete development will occur in multiple phases, with the second phase planned for 2025 after completing the first.

The project includes construction of modern shooting floors, makeup rooms, shooting spots, hanging bridges, cable cars, waterfalls, an eco-park, bus stands, cottages, and afforestation areas.

Also, the film city will procure modern cinema equipment such as digital movie cameras, various lenses, lighting, digital editing machines, and sound equipment.

"This will enable filmmakers and advertisers to complete productions domestically without needing to go abroad," the proposal reveals. The project's main objectives are to strengthen the film industry, increase BFDC's revenue, and save foreign currency.

Earlier proposals, based on a feasibility study, included a five-star hotel, convention hall, and international film festival facilities.

However, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud recommended focusing on a smaller-scale project in the first phase by dropping large-scale infrastructure investments.

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