Film Journalists Association Concludes Fifth Plenary Meeting with 13-Point Chitwan Declaration

The fifth plenary meeting of the Nepal Film Journalists Association concluded with the issuance of the 13-point Chitwan Declaration.

The three-day meeting, held in Chitwan, ended on Sunday with demands for the full implementation of the Working Journalists Act, according to the association’s General Secretary, Raghunath Sapkota.

During the meeting, important issues were discussed and decisions were made. The association has been celebrating its Foundation Day and National Film Journalism Day every year on the 7th of Jeth.

On this occasion, the association has also been presenting the National Film Journalism Honor and the National Film Journalism Award. The meeting decided to establish a fund for these honors and awards.

The meeting, held from Poush 12 to Poush 14, also decided to organize the second national assembly of the association in the upcoming month of Chaitra, as per General Secretary Sapkota.

An interaction session with Dinesh DC, Chairperson of the Film Development Board, was also conducted during the meeting.

The interaction on the relationship between the regional Nepali film market and film journalists saw participation from 50 film journalists representing various regions, Chitwan cinema hall operators, and Board Chairperson Dinesh DC.

During the session, the board chairperson shared updates on the initiatives completed within his first 100 days in office. Discussions also included topics related to journalism and cinema hall operators in regional areas.

Highlights of the 13-Point Chitwan Declaration:

1. Protection of Film Journalists’ Rights: The association committed to advancing the rights and professional security of film journalists, including workshops, seminars, study visits, and training programs in collaboration with stakeholders.
2. Establishment of Journalism Funds: A fund for film journalism awards and honors was established, with an appeal for contributions from all parties and plans to organize charity events to support the fund.
3. Promotion of Ethical Journalism: The association urged film journalists to practice responsible and professional journalism, addressing existing challenges and eradicating malpractices in the field.
4. Support for Beat Journalism: The association called for special plans to address the challenges of beat journalism and its promotion, urging the concerned bodies to act.
5. Inclusion in Welfare Advertisements: The declaration demanded that online magazines and beat journalists be included in public welfare advertisements. It also called for coordination with the Film Development Board to support media focused solely on film journalism.
6. Introduction of New Film Act: To promote the autonomous film industry and Nepali cinema, the meeting urged the government to introduce the proposed Film Act promptly, ensuring it benefits all stakeholders.
7. Promotion of Film Tourism: Recognizing cinema as a driver of tourism, the declaration urged all levels of government to formulate programs to promote tourism through Nepali films.
8. Encouragement of Authentic Nepali Films: The meeting called for the promotion and recognition of authentic Nepali films and filmmakers representing Nepal internationally.
9. Implementation of the Working Journalists Act: Full implementation of the Act was demanded to protect film journalists’ rights.
10. Increased Grants for the Association: The meeting requested increased annual grants for the association from the Ministry of Communications and all levels of government.
11. Real-Time Box Office Implementation: The meeting demanded the complete implementation of a real-time box office system and public disclosure of box office reports under the Right to Information Act.
12. Cinema Tourism Programs: The declaration urged governments at all levels to use Nepali cinema to promote Chitwan’s scenic and tourist areas, providing incentives for local governments to facilitate film production.
13. Acknowledgment of Contributors: The meeting extended heartfelt gratitude to the Chitwan branch of the Film Journalists Association of Nepal and others who contributed to the successful completion of the fifth plenary meeting and the branch chairpersons’ gathering.