Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
Wednesday Dec 25, 2024
Wednesday, 4 December 2024 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
In an effort to put the spotlight on Sri Lanka as a top destination for Indian film productions, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) recently participated at the 10th edition of the India International Film Tourism Conclave (IIFTC) in Mumbai, held from 23-25 October 2024.
The move to participate at the IIFTC 2024 marks a significant leap toward establishing the island nation as a go-to destination for Indian cinema. Sri Lanka’s focus on film tourism aligns with global trends where countries are seeing significant economic benefits from attracting international film productions.
The event, renowned as the largest film tourism platform in India, provided an exceptional opportunity for Sri Lanka to showcase its diverse landscapes and cultural richness to the Indian film industry, positioning the island as the perfect location for cinematic ventures.
A high-profile delegation from Sri Lanka led by renowned international film producer Chandran Rutnam and supported by the International Film Producers Association of Sri Lanka (IFPA), joined forces with SLTPB to captivate key stakeholders from India’s film industry. SLTPB Assistant Director Chaminda Munasinghe responsible for film tourism promotions, presented Sri Lanka’s potential as a top-tier filming destination at the main event of IIFTC.
The SLTPB’s presentation at IIFTC 2024 was a masterclass in promoting Sri Lanka’s unparalleled natural beauty, cultural diversity, and ease of access. The showcase specifically targeted the Bollywood, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, and Marathi film industries, emphasising Sri Lanka’s scenic landscapes ranging from pristine beaches to lush jungles and vibrant cultural sites. Sri Lanka’s capability to cater to large-scale productions with minimal logistical challenges was a key highlight of the presentation.
Discussions were held by Munasinghe and Rutnam with some of the most influential Indian film industry representatives – ranging from producers to location managers – resulting in promising dialogues and a roadmap for future collaborations. A targeted digital campaign undertaken at the event, aimed at over 800 attendees, amplified Sri Lanka’s appeal as a cinematic hotspot.
A pivotal part of Sri Lanka’s strategy was its partnership with the Sri Lanka Consulate General Office in Mumbai, which collectively worked to enhance the country’s visibility within the Indian film tourism sector. Specially, Actg. Consul General Shirani Ariyarathne has been eagerly supporting Sri Lanka Tourism’s delegation to connect with Indian film producers, as well as key Indian Government officials from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry of India. A series of high-level meetings at the Sri Lanka Consulate General Office in Mumbai provided further opportunities for strengthening ties and securing support from Indian production houses.
In addition, discussions with the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC), which is the main governing body for all Indian cinema was a significant milestone. NFDC extended a formal invitation to the SLTPB team to explore future promotional opportunities at the prestigious International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025, which is set to feature countries like Australia, Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea. This partnership is expected to pave the way for even greater visibility for Sri Lanka in the global film tourism market.
To stay competitive, the SLTPB plans to establish a dedicated film tourism office and introduce an incentive scheme, making it even more enticing for global productions to choose Sri Lanka as their filming destination.
The event’s success lays the groundwork for a future where Sri Lanka will not only attract major film productions but also foster growth in tourism and the local economy. With its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and strategic location, Sri Lanka is poised to shine as the next cinematic hotspot for the Indian film industry.
