Mangaluru: Tulu theatre and cinema have played a significant role in promoting and strengthening the Tulu language, with the regional film industry completing around 55 years and producing more than 150 films so far.

More than 15 Tulu films are released every year, while several films have earned recognition at the state and national levels. Against this backdrop, the Tulu Film Producers’ Association has sought greater government support for the regional film industry.

Association president R Dhanraj met Chief Minister D K Shivakumar in Mangaluru and submitted a memorandum seeking subsidies for films produced in regional languages.

Demand for subsidies for 10 films

The association requested the state government to provide subsidies for at least 10 films produced in regional languages.

The demand comes amid continued efforts by Tulu film producers to strengthen the regional film industry and encourage the production of more films in Tulu and other regional languages.

The association highlighted the contribution of Tulu theatre and cinema to the growth and preservation of the language. With more than 150 films produced over the past five-and-a-half decades, Tulu cinema has developed a distinct presence within Karnataka’s regional film landscape.

The association also pointed to the recognition received by some Tulu films at state- and national-level platforms as evidence of the creative potential of the industry.

International regional language film festival proposed

The memorandum also requested Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to inaugurate the Regional Language International Film Festival proposed to be held in Mangaluru from December 25 to 27.

The proposed festival is expected to provide a platform for regional-language cinema and create opportunities for filmmakers, producers and artists associated with different regional film industries.

For Tulu filmmakers, such an event in Mangaluru could also provide an opportunity to showcase the region’s cinema and cultural traditions to a wider audience.

The association has sought the chief minister’s presence at the proposed festival as part of its efforts to promote regional-language cinema.

Representation sought in key committees

Apart from financial assistance and support for the proposed festival, the Tulu Film Producers’ Association has also sought representation for regional film producers in important committees.

The memorandum requested the inclusion of regional film producers in the subsidy committee, award committee and censor committee.

The association said representation in these bodies would provide regional filmmakers with a voice in decisions concerning subsidies, awards and the certification process.

The demand comes at a time when Tulu cinema continues to produce films regularly despite operating within a relatively smaller linguistic market.

Tulu cinema’s five-decade journey

Tulu cinema has a history spanning around 55 years, with more than 150 films released during this period. The industry has continued to produce films despite challenges associated with limited theatrical markets and audience reach.

The release of more than 15 Tulu films annually indicates continued interest in producing and watching films in the language.

Tulu theatre has also contributed significantly to the preservation and popularisation of the language, with stage performances serving as an important medium for storytelling, cultural expression and entertainment in the coastal region.

The association’s latest memorandum seeks to build on this existing cultural base through greater institutional support for filmmakers.

The demands submitted to the chief minister include subsidies for regional-language films, support for the proposed Regional Language International Film Festival in Mangaluru and representation for regional producers in key government committees.

The proposals are aimed at strengthening the ecosystem for regional-language cinema and providing greater recognition and support to filmmakers working in Tulu and other regional languages.