Maharashtra Government Introduces Policy for Schools to Screen Three Films Annually, Promoting Marathi Cinema

Pune, 9th October 2024: The Maharashtra Government has unveiled a new policy permitting schools to screen up to three films or short movies per academic year, with a requirement that two of them be in the Marathi language. This policy was introduced following multiple requests from filmmakers seeking to showcase their work in schools, which education officials warn could disrupt the academic schedule.

Under the new guidelines, all films, short movies, and educational materials shown in schools must convey historical, social, or cultural messages and be appropriate for all students. A prior circular issued in 2014 had also allowed films to be screened in schools, provided the filmmakers sought government approval and the content was reviewed by a committee.

The state education commissioner has been designated as the nodal officer responsible for granting screening permissions for films, dramas, and educational materials in schools. Approvals are valid for one academic year, and screenings must take place after exams. However, the policy does not clarify whether students will need to pay for these screenings.

In January, the government approved the screening of the Marathi film Ravrambha, depicting the life of a Maratha soldier under Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Army Commander-in-Chief. Last year, the film Let’s Change, focusing on the Union government’s Swachh Bharat Mission, was allowed to be shown in schools for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years. Viewing the films was optional, with a maximum fee of Rs 20 per student.