INDIAN FILM MAKERS
LOOKING FOR FOREIGN LOCALES TO SHOOT MOVIES
Films like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge to Zindagi Na
Milegi Dobara have spawned over two generations of Bollywood films shot in the Swiss Alps to the Spanish beaches.
Now, the tiny Pacific island nation of Fiji is hoping to challenge—if not dethrone—the staple destinations for Indian filmmakers looking for foreign locales to shoot movies.
To convince Bollywood of the joys and benefits of shooting at this archipelago of 333 tropical islands sitting pretty in the South Pacific Ocean, senior Fiji diplomats came together for a filmmakers’ forum in the city on Saturday to showcase their world that goes beyond just the sparkling stretches of turquoise water and palm fringed beaches, but tropical rainforests, lagoons, diving spots and other pristine sites relatively unexplored.
Fiji is also stepping up attempts to woo Indian filmmakers with a 47 per cent tax rebate— the highest in the world—to fully-funded productions whose qualifying spend is more than FJ$250,000.
Other incentives include exemption from paying duty for heavy equipment brought in for filming purposes as long as they are taken out of the country at the end of production.
Also, competitive minimum wage rates are in place and hours and terms of employment are negotiable directly with local crew, given that the film industry in Fiji is not unionized.
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, AttorneyGeneral and Minister for Economy, Public Enterprises, Civil Service and Communications, said: “Tourism is a major stake for our country. The government took a strategic decision a few years ago to make a number of changes in terms of liberalising the economy and also identifying sectors that position us well in growing our economy and providing employment.
“Visa is on arrival at Fiji; in the next couple of days we’ll be signing various agreements in Mumbai with Indian airlines to offer seamless travel.”
“With over 40 per cent of the Fiji population of Indian heritage, shooting in Fiji will feel like home,” promised Dallas Foon, chief executive officxer of Film Fiji.
Like Mauritius, Fiji too shares the history of girmitiyas or indentured labourers transported from British India to work on sugarcane plantations.
Last year, Fiji celebrated 100 years since the arrival of the last immigrant ship carrying indentured Indians to the island, but there’s plenty of reason for Bollywood now to ready their sails.