‘Nepal Is Self-reliant On Film Production’
— YADAV KHAREL,
YADAV KHAREL, a renowned Nepalese film producer and
director, has already produced more than half a dozen of Nepali films. During his long
career in cine business, Kharel has carved a separate niche for himself in the Nepalese
film industry. Fifty-seven-year old Kharel did his diploma in film production from London
Film School in 1972. Well known for many blockbusters like Prem Pinda, Kharel has also
directed a number of off-track movies like Bhanubhakta and Shree Swasthani. Kharel,
currently is preparing to direct a film based on the life of late BP Koirala. The recently
appointed Chairman of Nepal Film Development Board, Kharel spoke to KESHAB POUDEL on
different issues of Nepalese film industry. Excerpts:
How do you see the state of Nepalese film industry in terms of investment and
creativity?
In terms of investment, the development of Nepalese film
industry is showing encouraging trends. Since 1989 when the government announced a policy
to promote private sector investment in film making, Nepalese film industry has been able
to make an impression upon the audience. The exemption of entertainment tax to Nepalese
films have lured investment paving the way for the growth of Nepalese film industry. Over
the last ten years, Nepalese film industry has made tremendous progress and has
established itself as a promising industry.
Do you predict the growing investment will continue in coming
days?
The multiplying trend of investment in the film sector shows that it is
gaining momentum. Fifteen years back, people had to wait for a couple of years to watch a
new Nepalese film. The recent record shows that more than 32 Nepalese films are waiting to
be released. As urban population grows, the market base, too, has expanded for Nepalese
film industry in the country. More the number of population enjoy access to electricity,
bigger the market for Nepalese films will be.
What is the rate of return of investment?
Fortunately, investors are generating profits. Even within
limited market opportunities, Nepalese film industry has been doing a remarkable business.
In terms of investment and employment generation, the film industry has a major
contribution. In the areas of creativity, technical equipment and ideas, however, there
needs to be further investment. In the beginning, we did not have technical capability and
we had to go to India for everything like recording, dubbing and editing. We also had only
limited place for location shooting. These days we have all instruments and laboratory in
the county. Now there is no need for us to go outside the country except for visual
optical process. I am very proud to say that we have competitive Nepalese technicians like
directors, editors, music composers, fight directors and cameramen. Nepal is self-reliant
on film production process. However, we still need to learn and adopt the new
technologies.
Are Nepalese films able to compete with foreign films?
Yes, we are competing with Indian films - the biggest film
industry of the world. Along with Indian films, we have to contest with television films
produced by highly sophisticated equipment. If we look at the technology and method we are
currently employing, it is too old. We need to introduce new technologies. In totality I
am satisfied with the present development. But still in terms of quality and ideology in
film-making, we are still poor and many Nepalese films are just the copy of Indian ones.
It is seen that one has to follow some of Mumbai's techniques to survive commercially.
There is a charge that Nepalese films are copycats of its Indian counterpart
with most of them being replete with unwarranted volume of sex and violence. What do you
say?
We also have alternative approach which is based on Nepalese
identity and culture. So many new films are coming up following this approach. Indian
Bollywood films do have strong influence in our audiences as they have learnt the taste of
entertainment through Indian films. You cannot remove that taste overnight. Indian films
have had more than 50 year long influence over Nepalese audiences.
What can be done to change the taste of audiences?
It is not easy to replace the taste. In the last 14 years, we have been
able to create our own taste. We have every reason to be satisfied with the present
situation as we have been able to develop our own market and have become self-reliant on
film making. In totality, the progress is satisfactory but one has to take initiatives to
change the present scenario.
What is the annual investment in the Nepalese film sector?
We don't have any accurate data regarding the annual investment
as we don't have institutions to accumulate the data. An average production cost of a film
is about 4 million rupees. The amount may be more than we have calculated. If you add the
total turn over, the amount will be over a billion rupees a year. Due to expansion of
Nepalese films, the investment in music studios, studio equipment and film theaters is
also growing.
At a time when investors are queuing to your door to make commercial films,
what prompted you to invest in historical, religious and cultural films like Bhanubhakta,
Prem Pinda and the one based on BP?
Films are also consumable items like cigarette, alcohol and
noodles. But the film producers have more responsibility than the producers of other
consumer items. Noodle is a consumer item but it has very limited impact. So far as films
are concerned, it has wide range of consumers. As a cultural product, the film has more
responsibility that comes with its power to make impact. A film has psychological and
cultural influence. This is the reason I want to work in a variety of films.
What impacts the film industry have in society?
The film has long term impact as it is a powerful medium that
can change individual's approaches and attitudes. As a serious cultural product, a
producer also has to abide by certain social responsibilities. We have to respect social
values and harmony. In the name of commercialism, we have to be very cautious to encourage
violence and sex. Since many commercial films are being made by others, I want to make
different types of films. Films based on social, historical and religious importance are
non-profitable but they do contribute positively to the society.
Do you see any possibility to change the prevalent
Bollywood-type themes in Nepalese films?
I don't see the film industry will change its themes anytime soon as
commercial films have to compete with Indian movies. As long as the audiences do not
change their taste, it is impossible for investors to go beyond the market choice. The
group which patronizes film industry wants entertainment. Since there is no protection
from intellectual circle, the mainstream will always follow the Mumbai formula mixing all
kinds of events like music, sex and violence. Development of alternative or parallel
cinema is a very slow process but there will be market for them.
As a newly appointed Chairman of National Film Development Board, what plans
and program do you have?
We don't have any programs just now as it is a recently
constituted body. We are in the process to establish our own office. We will formulate
programs to promote and protect Nepalese film industry. We also need support from
different organizations involved in film industry. The organization will start its
function as soon as possible.
What are the challenges of Nepalese film industry?
One of the challenges is to reduce the influence of foreign
films which still has an enormous influence over Nepalese audiences. Over ninety-percent
theaters in the country exhibit Hindi films. Nepalese films have to capture more and more
market and even explore the foreign market. We have to develop a plan to go for major
Indian and international market. For such drives, we need further investment on
technology. Furthermore, Nepalese films need to develop its own identity to attract
foreign market.
How do you see the future of Nepalese film industry?
Nepalese film industry has good future. Following the
restoration of democracy, we have seen phenomenal growth in the film sector. As I have
mentioned, one of the challenges is to promote alternative approach. We have to take
initiatives to improve the situation and protect the interest of Nepalese film.
Importantly, we must develop our own capability to meet the coming challenges.
As a pioneer person involved in film making through the
government initiative, how do you evaluate the present scenario?
The situation is completely different now. When I joined Royal Nepal Film
Corporation in 1971, there were only 26 film halls in the country and market was very
small. And the role of film corporation was just to produce documentaries regarding the
visit of the King and other authorities of the state. During 1970s, it took 3 to 4 years
to produce a single movie. Now we can complete a film in three months. I am happy to say
that the recent development is the result of the infrastructures laid down in the past.
The initial government investment helped to create market for Nepalese and to develop
infrastructures. The present Film Development Committee is situated at the same venue
which was acquired during my tenure in 1970.
‘Australia's Development Assistance To Nepal Has A Reputation For Being
Well-targeted And Effective’
— Crispin Conroy
Crispin Conroy is a young Australian ambassador to
Nepal. Educated at the Australian National University (Law and French literature), Conroy,
37, was the director of the International Law Section of the Foreign Ministry, and Deputy
Legal Adviser prior to his posting. This position included representing Australia at
numerous negotiations at the United Nations as well as providing legal advice to the
Foreign Minister. Conroy's previous overseas postings were in Geneva ('95-98) and
Madrid ('90-'93). Conroy spoke to KESHAB POUDEL about the various aspects of
Nepal-Australia relations. Excerpts :
How do you find the existing bilateral relations between Nepal and Australia?
The relationship between Australia and Nepal is excellent, both
between government and business sectors, and on a people-to-people basis. While the
diplomatic and consular representatives of our two countries have played their part in the
development and maintenance of this relationship, much credit must be given to the role
played by the Nepal-Australia Friendship Societies and business groups. In addition,
the links developed by the some 15,000 Australians who visit Nepal each year, and the
Nepalis who visit Australia (including many students), have strengthened the relationship.
I hope to be able to strengthen further the relationship between our two countries during
my time in Nepal.
What is the level of bilateral development assistance?
My major priority is the effective implementation of Australia's
Development Cooperation program. Australia's development cooperation with Nepal
began in the 1960s and has mainly been directed to community forestry, training and small
scale development projects in rural areas though assistance to self help groups in
resource management, health, literacy (particularly for women), forestry, income
generation and environmental protection and conservation. Human resource development
through training programs in Australia and Nepal, and projects aimed at alleviating
exploitative child labor practices and promoting respect for universal human rights, have
also been important aspects of our partnership programs with His Majesty's Government, the
UN Specialized Agencies and NGOs.
What is the objective of Australian Aid?
The overall objective of Australia's Development Cooperation
program is the promotion of sustainable economic and social development of the
Nepalese people. Although modest, Australia's development assistance to Nepal has a
reputation for being well-targeted and effective. For example, our 30 year
partnership with Nepal's internationally recognized initiatives in the field of community
forestry continues to work well and provides a model for other countries in comparable
situations. And I am pleased to announce that the Australian Government recently
decided to provide an extra $1.2 million dollars to our community forestry projects for
this phase.
What are other areas of assistance?
Also, particular mention must be made of the Tilganga Eye Center
in Kathmandu, an enduring symbol of the warmth and cooperative nature of the relationship
between Australia and Nepal. The Center was the inspiration of the highly skilled
ophthalmologist, Dr Sunduk Ruit, and the late Professor Fred Hollows. The surgical
techniques developed at the Center and the intra-ocular lenses produced at its state of
the art factory, which has no counterpart in South Asia, have made it a world leader in
the field of cataract removal and eyesight restoration. Not only has this directly
benefited many of the people of Nepal and neighboring countries, but it has also raised
Nepal's profile as a regional center for this type of medical training. I have
visited the hospital and lens factory, and have attended one of the surgical camps carried
out by the Center's surgeons in remote places.
What is the status of trade between the two countries?
Promoting trade between our two countries is also a priority.
The Embassy, Austrade offices in Australia and the region and the various local
chambers of commerce are keen to promote business opportunities. While two-way trade
and Australian investment in Nepal remain modest (around $21 million), the broad
commercial relationship continues to expand. Major Australian exports include zinc,
lead, food products and beverages. Nepali imports comprise mostly handicrafts and
garments. There is certainly scope for further expansion and diversification
of the economic relationship and private sector involvement in fields such as services and
commodities trade, power generation, civil aviation, telecommunications, tourism and
mining. Our private sectors have been encouraged by the policies of economic
liberalization and reform by successive governments in both countries.
How many Australian companies are working in Nepal?
Australian companies and business people are active in Nepal in
a diverse range of fields including banking, civil engineering and design, air
navigational and control systems, air transportation and eco and adventure tourism.
The energy sector has considerable potential for private sector cooperation.
Australian companies have a high level of expertise in hydro-power generation, alternative
energy systems, such as solar and wind, and solving water and environmental management
problems in harsh and remote regions similar to those existing in some parts of
Nepal. In this context, momentum continues on the West Seti Hydro proposal with most
of the necessary approvals already provided to SMEC by Nepal. Tourism from Australia to
Nepal is significant, with some 15,000 Australians visiting Nepal each year. And it
seems that this number is likely to remain steady, if not increase.
What is the present status of West-Seti?
As you are aware, the West Seti project is being developed by a
private Australian company, SMEC. As such, I am not party to all aspects of the
project. I can say, however, that SMEC is currently negotiating with the Indian
Power Trading Corporation towards a power purchase agreement. This is an ongoing
process. SMEC also expects the Environment Impact Assessment process in Nepal to be
completed shortly. It will also be important, not only for West Seti but other
hydro-power projects, that the Parliament in Nepal give consideration to the early
ratification of the Electric Trading Agreement with India. This will be of crucial
importance for foreign investor confidence not only in West Seti but in future projects.
Australia is soon going to host the millennium's first Olympic Games in
Sydney. How has been its preparation going on?
Hosting the Olympic Games in Sydney is one of the many events
that will put Australia in the limelight at the beginning of the new century. Sydney
is making great progress in its preparations for the Games of the XXVII Olympiad, which
will take place between 15 September and 1 October 2000. The Paralympic Games will
follow, from 18-29 October. Sydney is preparing to receive a quarter of a million
Olympic visitors, including 15,000 media representatives, who will send Olympic news to an
estimated worldwide audience of 3.5 billion. More information can be found on
www.sydney.olympic.org.
Australia is also celebrating 100th Anniversary of its founding next year.
What are your views?
Another important event for Australians is the celebration of
the hundredth anniversary of the founding of Australia as a united democratic nation.
The date of the centenary is 1 January 2001 and throughout the year Australians all
over the country will be celebrating their country's many achievements over the previous
century. These include: the emergence of an independent, sovereign nation as a member of
the international community; the development and enduring strength of the Australian
Constitution; Australia's evolution as a parliamentary democracy, in which our society and
governments observe the rule of law; our role as a civil society with a proud record of
tolerance and free expression; our nation's robust economy; and, our international
reputation in diverse areas such as science, education, the arts and sport. |
