Kannada film academy to be inaugurated Friday

Bangalore, June 3 (IANS) Karnataka will soon get a film academy of its own - the cinema body will be launched here Friday and it will not only take care of film-related activities, it will also act as a mediator between the government and film agencies.

With this move, the Karnataka government headed by B.S. Yeddyurappa has acceded to the long standing demand of the state's film industry and movie enthusiasts.

The Kannada Film Academy was mooted by the then Chief Minister M. Veerappa Moily in 1993, but it has taken 16 years for its formation.

Speaking to IANS, T.S. Nagabharana, the first chairman of the academy, said he will be undertaking the work involving industry people and also film enthusiasts.

"We are expected to play a mediatory role between the government and many film agencies and we will be discharging the duties with full co-operation from the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, film societies and other related bodies in the film trade," said Nagabharana.

Nagabharana also said that the film academy will also take the responsibility relating to the film awards and subsidy which is presently under the state's information department.

"We are also planning to conduct seminars and film appreciation courses for the benefit of film enthusiasts and the people working in the film industry," said Nagabharana.

Yeddyurappa will inaugurate the academy, while Information Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu and president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce Jayamala will be the chief guests.

Nagabharana said that the committee of the academy consists of film and television artists, technicians and also a veteran journalist.

The academy is also planning to have a museum of film materials and will be involved in bringing out books related to films and film personalities.