Kolkata: The West Bengal Information & Cultural Affairs department is launching a mini cinema policy to meet the increasing demand for spaces to exhibit AV content and the rising interest in small group movie viewings.
This move is the first of its kind in India by a state government and will enhance the experience for cinephiles.
It will boost the film industry and local businesses, and utilise small auditoriums in suburban and rural areas for entertainment and commerce, claimed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
A mini cinema is an AC auditorium seating approximately 50 people, primarily for film screenings.
It features an LED digital display board, with a projection system connected to a desktop computer and server, operated by at least one person during screenings.
Films will be accessed digitally via an electronic server. No separate enclosure or high-voltage power supply is needed for the projection system.
Fire safety measures are required for the AC system and to prevent short circuits at the digital display.
Seating is capped at 50, with classification and pricing determined by the applicant.
The display board will be positioned to ensure the top of the picture does notvexceed a 45-degree angle from the eye level of a person in the front row.
The angle from the picture’s edge to the eye of a person at the opposite end of the room should be at least 25 degrees. The film operator needs to be computer-literate.
Applicants must obtain a fitness certificate for the building, fire protection system and trade licenses.
Setting up a mini cinema requires permission from the DM or police commissioner, with a project outline.
Police will then do a spot inspection and an NOC will be issued within seven days. The entire licensing process should be completed within four weeks.
The Information & Cultural Affairs department would be the nodal agency for addressing grievances.
Actor Prosenjit Chatterjee is working on Bengal’s first mini cinema on Park Street. Permission is likely to come soon.
