The Punjab government has decided to establish the Punjab Film City Authority in a major move aimed at promoting and regulating the film industry in the province.
The proposed body is expected to support filmmakers, attract investment and help build modern film infrastructure across Punjab.
The Punjab Film City Authority Act 2025 was presented in the Punjab Assembly yesterday as part of the government’s effort to strengthen the province’s film sector.
Under the proposed law, the Punjab Film City Authority will be formed to promote the film industry in Punjab and create a more organized and supportive environment for filmmakers and related businesses.
According to the proposal, the new authority will sponsor filmmaking, dramas and documentaries, broadening support across multiple areas of visual storytelling.
The authority will also receive government funding for its expenses as well as additional funds dedicated specifically to the promotion of the film industry.
New film policy, licensing system
A key part of the proposal is the introduction of a new film policy, along with a comprehensive framework of rules, regulations and licensing.
Officials say this system is intended to bring structure to the sector and make the approval process more efficient and transparent for producers and filmmakers.
The proposed authority will provide filmmakers with facilities, permits and a one-window operation, designed to simplify official procedures.
This step is expected to reduce delays and help production teams deal with regulatory matters through a single platform rather than multiple departments.
Incentives to attract investment
The Punjab government also plans to offer special incentives to encourage both local and foreign investment in the province’s film and media sector. The authority is also expected to pave the way for the establishment of film studios, film cities and post-production facilities in Punjab.
This infrastructure push could help create a more complete production ecosystem, allowing projects to be filmed, edited and finished within the province.
To strengthen the industry’s future, training programs will be launched to prepare and support new talent. These initiatives are expected to help young filmmakers, technicians and creative professionals gain the skills needed to work in a more modern and competitive film industry.
Grants, subsidies, industry support mechanism
The bill also envisions a formal system of funding, grants and subsidies for the film industry. Such financial support could provide relief to filmmakers and production companies while encouraging new projects and creative experimentation.
Officials believe the proposed authority can also help project Punjab’s culture, tourism and positive image through film content.
By encouraging productions that showcase the province, the government hopes to use cinema and visual media as a tool for cultural promotion and tourism development.
Authority to address complaints, issues
Another major role of the Punjab Film City Authority will be to resolve complaints and issues related to the film industry.
This means the body will not only promote the sector but also act as an institutional platform for addressing problems faced by filmmakers and other stakeholders.
The proposed law will now be referred to the relevant committee for two months, during which the committee will examine the bill and submit its report within the same period.
After the committee’s approval, the bill will be presented for approval by the Punjab Assembly. The Governor of Punjab will then give the final approval to the bill.
What move could mean for Punjab’s film sector
If approved, the Punjab Film City Authority could mark a significant shift for the province’s entertainment industry by combining regulation, funding, training and infrastructure support under one institutional framework.
The proposal signals the government’s intent to revive the film industry in Punjab, improve ease of doing business for filmmakers and position the province as a stronger hub for media production.
