Aizawl: Mizoram’s Information and Public Relations Minister B Lalchhanzova on Tuesday urged visiting Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L Murugan to provide central assistance for setting up Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) content creator labs in 200 schools and 50 colleges across the state.
Lalchhanzova, along with Information and Communication Technology Minister Vanlalthlana and senior state government officials, met the Union Minister of State at Lengpui Airport near Aizawl upon his arrival, before he departed for Kolasib district bordering Assam.
Enhancing Digital Content Creation
Minister Lalchhanzova expressed hope that establishing AVGC content creator labs in educational institutions would significantly enhance digital content creation and entrepreneurship among students. He emphasized that such labs would equip young minds with skills in animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics, fostering a culture of innovation and self-employment.
Capacity Building for Filmmakers
Lalchhanzova also pushed for capacity-building initiatives for filmmakers in Mizoram. He urged the Union minister to organize training and skill-development programs for Mizo filmmakers, with support from premier institutions such as the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). This, he argued, would help local talent gain expertise and recognition on national and international platforms.
Modernization of Cinema Infrastructure
In his appeal, Lalchhanzova requested the modernization of cinema theatre infrastructure in the northeastern states. He proposed the formulation of a new scheme to establish modern cinema infrastructure across the region, which would boost the local entertainment industry and create employment opportunities. Additionally, he advocated for sanctioning funds for new state-led media projects in Mizoram from the 10% gross budgetary support (GBS) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Support for Film Festival Participation
The minister also requested continued institutional support to enable Mizo filmmakers to participate in national and international film festivals. He stressed that such exposure is vital for showcasing the state’s cultural heritage and artistic talent to a global audience.
Union Minister’s Response
According to an official statement, Union Minister L Murugan gave a patient hearing to the requests made by Lalchhanzova and assured him that the matters would be taken up for early implementation. The statement did not provide specific timelines but indicated a positive response to the proposals.
This development underscores the ongoing efforts by Mizoram’s government to leverage digital technology and media for educational and economic growth, while also seeking central support for infrastructure and skill development in the creative industries.
