New National Centre of Excellence for AVGC to be Established in Mumbai

by Arthur Herring
in News
on 16 June 2024

The Indian government is taking a major step towards promoting the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector by establishing a National Centre of Excellence in Mumbai. The announcement was made by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, during the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF).

The Centre of Excellence, which will be located in Film City, Goregaon, is set to become a hub for the emerging AVGC sector. The Maharashtra government has allocated land for the project, and a budget of Rs 500 crore has been earmarked for its development. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to boost the AVGC sector, following the recommendations of the AVGC promotion task force formed in the 2022 budget.

In addition to the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence, the government is also working on a national policy for the AVGC sector. The policy is currently awaiting cabinet approval and has been developed in consultation with industry representatives and government departments such as higher education, skill development, and electronics and information.

The MIFF, one of the oldest festivals dedicated to animation, short films, and documentaries, is also taking place in Mumbai. This year, the festival is expanding its reach by organizing parallel screenings in Delhi, Chennai, Pune, and Kolkata. MIFF is also setting new standards in accessibility, with special films for the differently-abled featuring audio descriptions, sign language, and closed captions.

Furthermore, the festival is introducing the DOC Film Bazaar, which aims to connect documentary filmmakers from different countries and facilitate co-production and marketing opportunities. An ‘Open Buyer-Seller Meet’ will enable filmmakers to connect with buyers and corporates for production, distribution, and sales. Industry leaders, including representatives from FICCI, will also explore corporate social responsibility funding for documentaries.

The establishment of the National Centre of Excellence for AVGC and the initiatives taken at the Mumbai International Film Festival demonstrate the Indian government’s commitment to supporting and promoting the AVGC sector and encouraging the growth of documentary filmmaking in the country.

Additional facts:
– The AVGC sector in India has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the country emerging as a major player in the global animation and gaming industry.
– The establishment of the National Centre of Excellence in Mumbai is expected to provide a platform for talent development, research, innovation, and collaboration in the AVGC sector.
– The AVGC promotion task force formed in the 2022 budget emphasized the need for skill development and capacity building in the sector, which will be addressed through the Centre of Excellence.
– The AVGC sector in India has a large potential for job creation, with the Centre of Excellence expected to generate employment opportunities for skilled professionals.
– The AVGC sector in India has been a key contributor to the country’s entertainment industry, with popular animated movies and video games gaining both domestic and international recognition.

Key Questions and Answers:
1. What is the purpose of establishing the National Centre of Excellence for AVGC in Mumbai?
Answer: The National Centre of Excellence aims to promote the growth and development of the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics sector in India by providing a hub for talent development, research, innovation, and collaboration.

2. How will the Centre of Excellence benefit the AVGC sector?
Answer: The Centre of Excellence will provide resources and infrastructure for skill development, capacity building, and industry collaboration, which is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the AVGC sector in India and create employment opportunities.

3. What is the status of the national policy for the AVGC sector?
Answer: The national policy for the AVGC sector is currently awaiting cabinet approval and has been developed in consultation with industry representatives and government departments. Once approved, it will provide a framework for the growth and regulation of the sector.

Key Challenges or Controversies:
– One of the key challenges in the AVGC sector is the availability of skilled professionals. The Centre of Excellence will address this challenge by providing training and skill development programs.
– Another challenge is the competition from other countries in the global AVGC industry. India will need to focus on innovation, quality, and global collaborations to stay competitive.

Advantages:
– The establishment of the National Centre of Excellence will provide a dedicated platform for the growth and development of the AVGC sector in India.
– The Centre of Excellence will support talent development, research, innovation, and collaboration, which will contribute to the competitiveness of the Indian AVGC industry.
– The AVGC sector has the potential to create employment opportunities and contribute to the country’s economy.

Disadvantages:
– The success of the Centre of Excellence will depend on effective implementation and coordination between the government, industry, and educational institutions.
– The AVGC sector is highly competitive, and India will need to continuously adapt and innovate to stay relevant in the global market.