Pristine Himalayan scenic beauty with undulating river valleys, snow peaked mountains, lush green tropical rain forests, diverse range of tribal culture provide for an ideal place for most themes for film shooting, says Dr Joram Beda, Secretary Tourism, government of Arunachal Pradesh. He also highlights various steps taken by the government to promote film tourism.

Arunachal Pradesh has some of the most beautiful film shooting locations. Tell us how film friendly is the state for domestic and global filmmakers?

The present government in the state is committed to develop Arunachal Pradesh as one of the most sought after film shooting destinations in India. The state government has a robust film tourism policy which includes a single window clearance for necessary permissions and logistic and administration assistance.

What steps are being taken by the Government to bring global filmmakers and production houses to the Arunachal?

Targeted promotion is being done to promote film tourism in the state through print and electronic media, and taking part in events like Cannes Film Festival and Market, Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival, and other film promotion related events, etc.

What is your objective at Cannes Film Market to woo global film producers?

We want people to know about the tourism potential of Arunachal Pradesh through a global platform

What according to you are the advantages of getting a film shot in Arunachal Pradesh?

Pristine Himalayan scenic beauty with undulating river valleys, snow peaked mountains, lush green tropical rain forests, diverse range of tribal culture provide for an ideal place for most themes for film shooting.

Does the state government offer sops to filmmakers — accommodation for crew during film shooting?

As per the current Film Tourism Policy the government. will provide logistic and administration assistance to the filmmakers, such as:

? Single window clearance for NOC (Time bound 15 days)

? Forest/ASI/Magistrate/PWD/Municipality etc.

? Site consultancy

? Liaison officer

? Avail Chartered Helicopter Service

? Facilitate legal requirements: ILP & PAP

? Security and medical assistance at the shoot locations and place of stay.

? Incentives (limited to only logistic support)

? Provision for 5 vehicles for crew movement for 30 days.

? Free budget accommodation of up to 30 days for 10 crew members

Do you have a redressal mechanism in place for film producers to contact when they face problem during a film shoot?

24*7 support is provided to the film crew during their stay and at the place of film shoot.

What other initiatives do you have in store for the creative industry and filmmakers to engage with the film tourism?

The central government is going to set up a Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Arunachal Pradesh. It will provide quality education and training to the youth in film-making and thus will act as a catalyst to promote the talent in different aspects of film making in the north-east.

The state government has a robust film tourism policy which includes a single window clearance for necessary permissions and logistic and administration assistance

FILM LOCALES OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Tawang has to offer every form of nature at its best to your eyes. Nuranang Waterfalls is one such wonderful attraction that Tawang offers. This spectacular 100 meter-high waterfalls is located 40 kms away from Tawang and it is also called as Jang Falls since it is close to Jang, a town between Tawang and Bomdila. Originating from northern slopes of the famous Sela Pass, Nuranang River forms the waterfalls and then plunges into Tawang river. The Hydel power station nearby is open for visits.

Shonga-tser Lake is famously called Madhuri Lake. An earthquake in this region resulted in the formation of Shonga-tser Lake in 1971, which until then was grassland that served the cattle of the locals here. The lake with picturesque snow-capped mountains surrounding it and the valley offer spectacular views. You are encouraged to take a casual stroll along the pathways around Shonga-tser Lake. The lake is an absolute delight for the photographers.

Namdhapa National Park is the 15th Tiger Reserve in the country spread over 1985 sq km. It is the only National Park in the country where four of the felines i.e., tiger, leopard, snow leopard and clouded leopard are found. Bison, Samber and barking deer and a variety of snakes inhabit the park. Another unique feature of this park is that it covers a wide range of altitude from 200m to 4500m

Pasighat is the headquarters of East Siang district. Situated at 155 meters, Pasighat is the land of the mighty Siang and indigenous hanging bridges. Round cane rings, swinging strings, shattered wooden pavements dangling above the mighty Siang makes it a picture perfect moment of thrill and adventure

Dirang (42 km from Bomdila, 1497m above msl) Hot water springs where people take bath for curing skin ailments, Apple and Kiwi orchards, National Yak Research and Breeding Centre at Nigmadung, Sheep Breeding Farm and Sangti Valley where Siberian black necked storks visit during winter are the places of tourist interest.

Aalo is a picturesque valley at the confluence of Sipu and Siyom River. Surrounded by hills and beautiful orange orchards, this is another exotic nature getaway in Arunachal Pradesh. This is the headquarter of West Siang District and offers all basic amenities. For sightseeing or nature walks, there are places like Ramakrishna Mission Campus, Patum Bridge, Bagra Village, Donyi Polo Temple etc. The Kamki Hydrpower Dam is 25km from Aalo and a beautiful place to visit. Siyom hanging bridge is a 70m long bamboo and cane bridge.

Ziro (167 km from Itanagar) is a beautiful plateau and the headquarters of Lower Subansiri District. It is one of the oldest towns in Arunachal Pradesh. This beautiful hill station is located 1500 metres above sea level. The place has an imposing landscape of beautiful lush green forest, rivulets and elevated patches. It is famous for paddy-cum-pisciculture cultivation. The area is renowned for the terrace paddy fields where the unique system of poly-culture and water management is practiced by the local people.

Mechuka is a small hamlet cuddled up 6,000 feet above sea level in the Mechuka Valley in West Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India. This picturesque valley is about 29 km from Indo-Tibet border and around 500 km from the state capital Itanagar. It is one of the most picturesque destinations in the state. The nearest big town Along, which is a major tourist hub is approx 180 km from Mechuka. This place of Arunachal Pradesh is known for both its religious and historical significance.