DEHRADUN: The state government has made an open call for filmmakers from India and abroad to apply for film-shooting permissions in the region, ahead of its upcoming international film festival. Our correspondent reports that the call underscores the state’s ambition to enhance its profile as a global production hub while leveraging its scenic landscapes and simplified single-window film-clearance regime.
According to officials, the festival organisers invited applications for feature films, documentaries, web series and commercials that plan to shoot in Uttarakhand between April 2025 and March 2026. The state’s film-development authority will process applications through an online portal, promising clearance within 72 hours and offering incentives such as partial subsidies, logistics support and accommodation links.
Film-policy experts point out that Uttarakhand has actively promoted itself in recent years as a filming destination. Shore-based tourism and allied services derive additional gain from major productions visiting the hills and plains. According to data, picturesque locations such as Binsar, Dhanaulti, Kausani, Tehri, Jageshwar, Pauri and Mussoorie have attracted significant Bollywood and regional-film activity.
On the initiative, a senior official from the Uttarakhand Film Development Council said: “We are presenting Uttarakhand as a film-friendly state, with natural landscapes, cooperative district administrations and an efficient clearance mechanism. Filmmakers are welcome and we are ready to partner in their creative journeys.” The official added that the new call-for-entries links with the state’s Film Policy 2024, which prescribes cash-grants for films with budgets exceeding ₹50 crore and offers simplified permissions for outdoor shooting.
To illustrate the state’s recent cinematic credentials, prominent Bollywood films such as Kedarnath, Batti Gul Meter Chalu, Dum Laga Ke Haisha and Student of the Year 2 have been shot in Uttarakhand’s hill-and-valley locations. These examples are cited by state-planners to highlight the region’s proven track-record and to attract future projects.
Industry insiders believe the invitation aligns with broader efforts to diversify Uttarakhand’s economy beyond tourism and hydropower. Producer and location-manager Shalini Mehra commented: “Hills, rivers and heritage sites offer unique production value. With policy backing and ease of access, Uttarakhand could become among the top Indian states for filmmaking.” She emphasised that infrastructure, such as, good connectivity, mobile crews, accommodation and incentives, remains key.
The festival body has also announced that selected productions may receive grants of up to ₹2 crore, besides subsidised crew-housing and waiver of certain state-fees for filming. Filmmakers will also be eligible for marketing-support through the state tourism board once the film is released, thereby providing a holistic ecosystem. The official from the Film Development Council explained: “We treat filmmaking as tourism plus culture plus employment. Each shoot generates local jobs in catering, transport, logistics, assistants, etc. and raises global visibility for Uttarakhand.”
District magistrates in key filming hubs such as Mussoorie, Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal and Nainital have been instructed to facilitate local permissions within 48 hours, ensure highway-access for heavy equipment, arrange trans-shipment of gear and manage accommodations for cast-and-crew. “We want no bureaucratic delay,” said one DM at the conference held earlier this month, “because filmmakers often decide locations in days, not months.”
In terms of outcomes, analysts believe the push could boost related services, including, hotels, local hires, catering, transport, studio rentals, etc. and extend livelihood opportunities to remote mountain villages. According to one study, film shoots in scenic states add up to ₹4–5 lakh per crew-day in local spend. State officials hope this will offer higher value than seasonal tourism alone.
However, experts caution that sustainability and social-impact must be managed carefully. Film-shoots can bring disruption, traffic, cable-laying, noise and crowd-control, especially in ecologically sensitive zones. Local NGO representative Ravi Tyagi noted: “We welcome films but insist on strong environmental norms, local-skill hiring and protection of landscapes. The state clearance system must enforce these guard-rails.”
Festival organiser Anita Malhotra said the call for applications will remain open until January 31 2026. Short-listed entries will be invited to a workshop in Dehradun where logistics, location-permissions, local liaison and incentive-mechanisms will be explained. “We expect over 200 applications this year,” she said. “Our aim is to make Uttarakhand not just a destination, but a trusted partner for filmmakers.”
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
