Taken for granted?

The information ministry has recently sued a number of directors and producers for not completing films despite getting government grants.

In the last decade, as many as 25 feature films were not completed despite they got government funds although the rule says a film has to be finished within nine months of getting the first cheque.

"We will go hard on them. You cannot just waste public money. Those who failed to meet the requirements did not get the second installment. We are taking steps regardless of the person or his political affiliation," said information minister Hasanul Huq Inu.

Industry insiders say government grants played a key role in producing good films. The first time films got government grants was in 1976-77 financial year when 'Surjadighal Bari' by Masihuddin Shaker and Sheikh Niyamat Ali and 'Emiler Goyenda Bahini' by Badal Rahman wowed the film-lovers.

In the 2007-08 FY, three films were awarded grants. Among them, 'Rabyea' and 'Rupantar' were released but Enamul Karim Nirjhar's 'Nomuna' did not see light. The director was asked by the censor board to make major changes in the script and now its fate hangs in the balance.

In the 2008-09 FY, 'Amar Bondhu Rashed' and 'Modhumoti' were released but 'Shwapno O Dushhoner Kaal' was not made. The information ministry has sued director Junayed Halim. "I wanted to return the money. But the ministry has filed a case. I won't fight it. I will either make the film or return the money."

In the 2009-10 FY, 'Suchonarekhar Dikey' did not see light. Its director Akhtaruzzaman died in August of 2011. Actress Swagata said, "The director had almost finished the movie. Only a few post-production jobs remain. But nobody took the responsibility to finish it."

In the 2010-11 FY, Faruk Hossain's 'Kaktarua' could not make it to the theatres. The director claimed that he was almost done with the movie. He will submit it to the censor board in a month or two.

Syed Salahuddin Zaki could not make 'Eka Eka', one of the films that won government funds in 2011-12 FY. He said he was ill and the information ministry had suggested him to make a short film. He is planning to do so. 'Nekrey Aranya' by Maruf Hasan also failed to make it to the theatres. Artiste Prashanta Adhikary, who is the director of 'Hodsoner Bonduk', said making a film with such a small fund is difficult. He sold his artworks to finish the movie.

The progress of the film 'Kagojer Phul', which was to be directed by late film-maker Tareque Masud, was also stalled. His wife Catherine Masud now wants to return the money. The information ministry has sued two other directors. Tokon Thakur, the director of 'Kanta' was looking for a co-producer while Nargis Akhter, the director of 'Joiboti Kanyar Mon', said the film would be released at the end of this year.

Feature film grant approval committee chairman Nasir Uddin Yousuf said, "Everyone applies for the grant knowing the amount available and other terms and conditions. This is public money. Steps should be taken against them."

Azharul Huq, a member of the committee and additional secretary to the ministry, said, "We are now writing to the people who had gotten the money but did not finish the movies."

*This report, originally published in Prothom Alo print edition, has been rewritten in English by Quamrul Hassan.