India and Colombia Strengthen Cultural Ties with New Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement.
New Delhi:
India and Colombia have officially signed an Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement aimed at enhancing collaboration in the film industry and deepening cultural connections between the two nations. The agreement was signed by Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, and Mr. Jorge Enrique Rojas Rodriguez, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia.
As the 17th country to partner with India in this capacity, Colombia’s participation is expected to provide a platform for filmmakers from both countries to share resources, including artistic, technical, financial, and marketing capabilities. This collaboration aims to foster goodwill and cultural exchange, while also creating job opportunities across various sectors of film production.
Dr. Murugan emphasized the significance of this agreement in reinforcing the long-standing relationship between India and Colombia. “Our cooperation spans multiple sectors, including culture, science, and technology. This agreement is a vital step towards strengthening our international partnerships,” he stated.
The agreement will promote the use of Indian locations for film shoots, enhancing India’s profile as a preferred destination for international film production. Additionally, it will facilitate the transparent funding of projects and increase the export potential of Indian films into the Colombian market.
The co-production agreements offer filmmakers the advantages of government financial support, tax incentives, and qualification as national productions in both countries, further incentivizing collaboration. India has recently increased its financial incentives for co-productions, allowing reimbursements of up to 40% of eligible expenses incurred in India.
In conjunction with this agreement, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced upcoming international events in India, including the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa starting November 20, 2024, and the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) scheduled for February 2025.
This new partnership marks a significant milestone in enhancing the cinematic ties between India and Colombia, promising mutual benefits and the enrichment of both cultures.
