Filming infrastructure to be set up near Manapet village in Puducherry; expected to boost filming in the region and create job opportunities.
Puducherry (earlier Pondicherry and a former french colony) is popular for its tree-lined boulevards, beach-front and streetscapes (exudes an old-world charm).
The place attracts tourists from across the world, and in recent times, have also served as a setting for several films (including Ang Lee’s Life of Pi – the zoo scenes at the beginning of the film were shot here).
No wonder more and more tourists are beginning to explore this former French enclave.
Also Read: Bollywood in France.
Now the government wants to capitalize on this increased awareness, and is planning to set up a Film City on the outskirts of the town.
The film city will come adjacent to the area that has been marked for an oceanarium. Manapet village has a beach front of more than 150 m.
Puducherry is indeed a favourite spot of most film producers and the Film City will encourage more producers and film directors to shoot their films in Puducherry, which will boost the local cinema tourism (and generate jobs).
Officials are also mulling setting up a Puducherry branch of the Film Institute of Pune, to provide education and training to students/youth in film-making.
Once the film city is setup, one can also expect to see few film festivals held in Puducherry in the future.
