The single-screen cinemas in West Bengal thought that everything is over for them when the Amphan cyclone came. It caused damage to the theatres, causing distress to theatre owners and distributors. Up steps, West Bengal Government for their help. They have announced financial assistance of Rs 2 Lakh for the single-screen cinema halls, an official communicated this.
An apex body of the producers and distributors forum of eastern India had earlier filed an appeal in August. Considering it, the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, sent a letter to the Eastern India Motion Pictures Association, EIMPA on Friday, wherein they highlighted this reason for the aid.
Further, a government notification read :
“This is to inform you after careful consideration the state government has decided to provide Rs 2 lakh each to single-screen cinema halls that suffered major structural damage and Rs 1 lakh each to single screen-cinema halls that suffered partial structural damage caused by the cyclone Amphan.”
The Amphan Cyclone, which hit areas of West Bengal on May 20, caused massive damage to houses, trees, and properties. The cyclone uprooted the lush green trees, ravaged the electric wires, and damaged the whole system.
Earlier, in July a meeting was held with WB Chief Minister, Mamta Banerjee by the stakeholders of the film industry which included actors, technicians, producers, and distributors. In that meeting, Mamta Banerjee had said :
“As of now, reopening cinema halls is not possible. We can provide some assistance to cinema hall owners who have been affected by cyclone Amphan.”
There is also another issue for single-screens. The COVID-19, which has caused theatres to remain shut since Mid-March. When will they open up? This only the government can tell.
As of now, the aid West Bengal government is providing is surely going to help the theatre owners.