The Government of India has expanded its efforts to promote Indian cinema, creative talent and film heritage through the Development Communication and Dissemination of Filmic Content scheme, implemented by the National Film Development Corporation under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The scheme aims to strengthen the creation, innovation and dissemination of film content across India while enhancing the global visibility of Indian cinema. Through this initiative, the government supports filmmakers, film institutions and creative professionals while also encouraging international collaborations and cultural exchange through cinema.
The DCDFC scheme provides financial support to the National Film Development Corporation to organise and participate in major film festivals in India and abroad. These platforms are used to showcase Indian films to global audiences, promote emerging talent and build international partnerships in the audio visual sector.
The scheme also focuses on preserving and promoting India’s rich film heritage through activities such as restoration, digitisation, archiving and conservation of classic films. It further supports incentives for international audio visual co productions and encourages foreign filmmakers to shoot films in India, thereby strengthening the country’s position as a global filmmaking destination.
Beyond financial assistance, the scheme supports a wide range of capacity building and knowledge sharing activities including film workshops, masterclasses, screenings, training programmes and professional interactions among filmmakers, artists, technicians and industry stakeholders. These initiatives are aimed at encouraging creativity, fostering collaboration and strengthening the overall ecosystem of the Indian film industry.
Financial data released by the Ministry shows a steady allocation and utilisation of funds under the DCDFC scheme over the past five years. In the financial year 2021 to 2022, ₹84.50 crore was allocated to the National Film Development Corporation, of which ₹77.69 crore was utilised. In 2022 to 2023, ₹127 crore was allocated and ₹122.78 crore was utilised.
The allocation increased significantly in 2023 to 2024 when ₹348.12 crore was disbursed, with ₹339.89 crore utilised for various activities under the scheme. In the financial year 2024 to 2025, ₹340.68 crore was allocated and ₹324.21 crore was utilised. For the financial year 2025 to 2026, ₹232.46 crore has been allocated so far, out of which ₹156.86 crore had been utilised as of 26 February 2026.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, through the National Film Development Corporation, also partners with state governments to organise major film festivals and events that promote Indian cinema and strengthen cultural exchange.
One of the most prominent events supported under this initiative is the International Film Festival of India held annually in Goa. The festival has consistently attracted large participation from filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences from India and across the world.
In 2025, the International Film Festival of India featured 380 screenings and attracted approximately 17,999 delegates and participants. The 2024 edition of the festival recorded 435 screenings and around 15,384 participants, while the 2023 edition hosted 318 screenings and saw participation from about 13,902 delegates.
Earlier editions also recorded significant engagement, with the 2022 festival presenting 293 screenings and attracting approximately 12,431 participants, while the 2021 edition featured 236 screenings and around 8,888 delegates.
Another major event supported under the initiative is the Mumbai International Film Festival, which focuses on documentary, short and animation films. In 2024, the festival hosted 314 screenings and drew approximately 12,027 participants. The 2022 edition of the festival recorded 119 screenings and about 8,898 participants.
In addition to these festivals, the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit was organised in Mumbai in 2025, drawing participation from more than one lakh delegates from across the creative and entertainment industries. The summit served as a platform for discussions on the future of the audio visual sector, technology integration and global collaboration in media and entertainment.
The National Film Development Corporation also organised a Residential Writers Lab in collaboration with the Maharashtra Film Stage and Cultural Development Corporation at Maharashtra Film City. The initiative was aimed at nurturing new storytelling talent and strengthening script development in the Indian film industry.
Officials said these initiatives have contributed significantly to expanding the reach of Indian cinema while creating opportunities for filmmakers, writers and creative professionals to showcase their work at national and international platforms.
The government stated that continued support through the DCDFC scheme will help build a stronger and more globally competitive film ecosystem, promote cultural storytelling and ensure that India’s cinematic heritage is preserved and celebrated for future generations.
The information was provided in the Lok Sabha in a written reply by L Murugan to a question raised by G Kumar Naik.
