NEW DELHI: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) Secretary Sunil Arora has urged the Directors in the Films Division to prepare a concept note on steps to be taken to promote quality documentary and short film making.

In a review meeting of the Division ahead of the 14th Mumbai International Film Festival in the western metropolis, he also stressed on the need for the Films Division to improve its distribution and reach. 

Recalling the rich heritage and experience in filmmaking of the Films Division, he said, “The creative output of the media unit should be reinvigorated and sustained.“

Calling for greater cooperation in creative pursuits, Arora said, “People should not work in silos, creative organisations grow only when ideas and information sharing is as free as possible.“

The 14th Mumbai International Film Festival is to be held in the city from 28 January to 3 February.

Arora also asked Director General Mukesh Sharma to explore possibilities of utilising the social media platform. Stating that content is king, Arora promised that the Ministry would look into issues of granting operational flexibility.

The Films Division was set up in 1948, primarily to produce documentaries and news magazines focusing on cultural and development issues. Besides producing films in house, the Films Division also commissions documentaries and short films from outside producers. Sixty-six such short films and documentaries are now in various stages of production.

The Films Division also organises the biennial Mumbai International Film Festival for Documentaries, Animation & Short Films.  

The 2016 edition of MIFF will feature 30 films in the international competition section and 27 films in the national competition section, besides 32 films in the New Media Competition.