Indian Film Promotion and Co-Production Schemes

India’s film promotion framework combines central funding, clearance support, international co-production arrangements and tax-linked incentives. The aim is to make Indian cinema more competitive while also attracting foreign productions to shoot and spend in India.

NFDC and the DCDFC Scheme

The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) is the main agency for promoting filmic content in India. Its role expanded after the rationalization and merger of four film media units — Films Division, Directorate of Film Festivals, National Film Archive of India and Children’s Film Society, India — into the NFDC, based on the recommendations of the Bimal Julka Expert Committee.

• DCDFC Scheme: The Development, Communication and Dissemination of Filmic Content (DCDFC) Scheme is a 100% centrally funded Central Sector Scheme implemented directly by the NFDC.
• Funding: For 2025–26, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting allocated ₹232.46 crore to the scheme, of which ₹156.86 crore was utilized by the NFDC as of February 26, 2026.
• Project support: Film institutes such as the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI) use DCDFC funding to commission student and faculty projects.
• Deadline: The proposal submission deadline for such projects was set for July 15, 2026.

Beyond content development, the wider regulatory framework is managed by bodies such as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Board member tenures are governed under the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.

Incentives for Foreign Films and Co-Productions

India offers a dedicated incentive scheme to attract foreign shoots and official co-productions. The structure combines a base rebate, bonus top-ups and a project-wise ceiling.

• Base rebate: The Incentive Scheme for Production of Foreign Films provides a 30% cash rebate on Qualifying Production Expenditure (QPE) incurred in India.
• Minimum spend: A project must incur at least ₹2.5 crore in local expenditure to qualify.
• Top-ups: The rebate can rise to 40% of QPE through additional 5% bonuses.
• Bonus conditions: The bonuses are available for showcasing Significant Indian Content and for employing at least 15% Indian crew members during production.
• Per-project cap: The total rebate for foreign film shoots and official co-productions in India is capped at ₹30 crore (approximately USD 3.6 million).
• Co-production treaties: The scheme applies to projects made under official audio-visual co-production treaties signed by India with various countries.

India Cine Hub and Film Promotion Fund

The Film Facilitation Office (FFO) now functions under the rebranded name India Cine Hub (ICH). It serves as the country’s single-window clearance portal for both domestic and foreign productions, helping secure shooting permissions across multiple jurisdictions.

• Single-window clearance: India Cine Hub simplifies the process of obtaining permissions for film shoots.
• Film Promotion Fund: Managed through the India Cine Hub, this fund supports international marketing campaigns for filmmakers.
• Eligible films: Assistance is available to Indian films selected for competitive categories at major international film festivals or nominated for the Academy Awards.
• Application deadline: Applications must be filed within one week of the official festival selection announcement.
• No retrospective claims: The scheme does not permit retroactive or post-facto claims.

State Policies and Licensing Reforms

Central incentives are supplemented by state-level reforms aimed at easing permissions and encouraging shooting infrastructure.

• Model State Cinema Regulations: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting drafted and circulated these regulations to state governments in June 2026.
• Objective: They are meant to standardize and simplify local licensing procedures and expand screen infrastructure across states.
• State support: Several states offer additional incentives for film production.
• Madhya Pradesh Film Tourism Policy 2025: International films can claim an additional rebate of up to 10% of local state expenditure, subject to a maximum cap of ₹10 crore.

Key Prelims Takeaways

• NFDC: Main agency for promotion of filmic content in India.
• DCDFC Scheme: A 100% centrally funded Central Sector Scheme implemented by NFDC.
• Budget 2025–26: The DCDFC Scheme received an allocation of ₹232.46 crore.
• Bimal Julka Expert Committee: Recommended merger of four film media units into NFDC.
• Foreign film incentive: 30% base cash rebate on QPE, with a possible rise to 40% through top-ups.
• Rebate conditions: Minimum local spend of ₹2.5 crore; bonus for Significant Indian Content and 15% Indian crew.
• India Cine Hub: Rebranded Film Facilitation Office and the national single-window clearance portal.
• Film Promotion Fund: Supports international festival marketing; applications must be filed within one week of selection.
• CBFC: Board member tenures are regulated under the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.
• State reforms: Model State Cinema Regulations seek to simplify licensing and expand screen infrastructure.