INDIAN FILMS TO BE ENCOURAGED TO BECOME IMPORTANT FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNERS
                               FILM MART BY ITPO INAUGURATED

    The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Pramod Mahajan said that Indian films should be encouraged to
become an important foreign exchange earner for the country just like hollywood films which are the second largest foreign
exchange earners for the United States. Speaking on the occasion of the inauguration of Film Mart organised by the Indian
Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) here today, Shri Pramod Mahajan pointed out that he has been told that Indian films do
not get the benefits of export promotion. He assured to take up the issue with the Finance and Commerce Ministries.

    Talking about the advancement of science in the film sector, the Minister pointed out that it is very essential that the film
makers equip themselves with the latest technology to survive in a very competitive environment. However "Art is the soul of
cinema, technology is just the body. Let not body dominate the soul. It will be the end of cinema", cautioned Shri Mahajan.

    Congratulating the ITPO for organising the Film Mart, Shri Mahajan pointed out that such fairs give an opportunity to film
makers to acquaint themselves with the latest developments in film technology and techniques. On the occasion, the Minister
also released a CD-ROM on Cinema.

    Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri N. Chandra Babu Naidu, said that the film industry
bears an important responsibility towards this country in shaping social behaviour, personality of the younger generation and
instilling a sense of responsibility on the viewers. He further said that this Film Mart would provide an opportunity for
conducting the business of buying and selling of feature films, television serials and documentaries. He also suggested that
various departments like Information Technology, Electronics and Communication should be converged in one department to
avoid over lapping.

    On this, Shri Mahajan assured that he will bring this issue to the attention of the Prime Minister.