AI SummaryGrant to Films helps filmmakers produce high-quality projects by offering financial support to those filming in Uttarakhand, aiming to boost local employment, cultural awareness, and the economic landscape of the state for individual creators. The scheme is open under the Uttarakhand Film Policy 2024, and the state government confirmed fresh subsidy support for regional language films in March 2026.
Grant to Films - Introduction
Grant to Films is a state scheme run by the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Uttarakhand, through the Uttarakhand Film Development Council (UFDC). It supports filmmakers who shoot their films, TV serials, or web series within the state. By providing financial incentives, this scheme encourages creators to show the culture, heritage, and diverse locations of Uttarakhand, which in turn helps create jobs and strengthens the state economy.
In March 2026, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted the new film policy under which a subsidy of up to ₹2 crore is being provided to encourage film production in regional languages. The government has increased the subsidy eight times for Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari films, and doubled the subsidy for films shot in the state in the 22 languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Grant to Films |
| Level | State |
| Target Audience | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Uttarakhand |
| Category | Sports & Culture |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Information and Public Relations Department / Uttarakhand Film Development Council |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Official Website | investuttarakhand.uk.gov.in/filmshooting |
Benefits
Under the provisions of the Uttarakhand Film Policy 2024, you can receive financial assistance based on the category of your project. Please refer to the table below for the grant structure:
| Film Category | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| Regional Language Films | 50% of state expenditure or up to ₹2 crore (whichever is lower) |
| Hindi / 8th Schedule Language Films | 30% of state expenditure or up to ₹3 crore (whichever is lower) |
| Foreign Language Films | 50% of state expenditure or up to ₹3 crore (whichever is lower) |
| TV Serials / Web Series | 30% of state expenditure or up to ₹3 crore (whichever is lower) |
Note: For foreign language films, a minimum expenditure of ₹3 crore within the state is required to qualify. Subsidies are also available for OTT content, short films, and documentaries. The state exempts shooting fees for films made in Uttarakhand, and GMVN and KMVN guest houses give a 50% discount to filmmakers during the shooting period.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this scheme, you must be a registered film producer who has successfully completed the production and exhibition process. The film, short film, web series, TV serial, or documentary must meet all the eligibility criteria mentioned in the Film Policy 2024.
While submitting a proposal for the film grant, the producer or director must attach an affidavit declaring that 75% or more of the film has been shot in Uttarakhand. A verified report of shooting days in the state, with geo-tagging and behind-the-scenes photographs, is also required. The film must be shot in at least 4K resolution with Dolby Digital sound, and the project must not present a negative image of the state or its culture.
Application Process
Offline Application Process
You should apply for the grant only after obtaining your Film Censor Certificate and completing the release or exhibition of your project. Proposals must reach the Council within one year from the date of obtaining the film censor certificate.
STEP 1 - Collect your financial records, the Film Censor Certificate, the affidavit declaring that 75% or more of the film was shot in Uttarakhand, and the verified shooting report with geo-tagging and behind-the-scenes photographs.
STEP 2 - Submit the complete proposal to the Uttarakhand Film Development Council, Information and Public Relations Department, Dehradun. Proposals received by March 31 are considered in the July meeting, and proposals received by October 31 are considered in the January meeting.
STEP 3 - The financial and technical committees will review your application. Make sure that 90% of the total expenses are paid through bank, cheque, online, internet banking, or UPI, and that all artists and technicians have been paid as per the agreement.
STEP 4 - The final approval will be granted by the Hon'ble Chief Minister or the Chairman of the Film Development Council. Once approved, the grant is paid as per the policy.
Documents
You should keep the following documents ready for your application:
- Film Censor Certificate.
- Detailed records of all expenditures incurred during production.
- Production-related contracts and legal agreements.
- Official invoices and verified bills.
- Affidavit declaring that 75% or more of the film was shot in Uttarakhand.
- Verified shooting report with geo-tagging and behind-the-scenes photographs.
- Distributor's certificate for theatrical releases, if applicable.
- Any other relevant supporting documents or production records.
References
Guidelines for Subsidies Film/Web Series/TV Serial/Documentary/Short Film
Uttarakhand Film Shooting Portal
Uttarakhand Film Development Council Services
Uttarakhand Film Policy Booklet 2026
News: Rs 2 Crore Subsidy for Regional Films
FAQ's
Who is eligible to apply for the grant?
Film producers who have completed their film, secured a Film Censor Certificate, and successfully released or exhibited the work are eligible to apply. The producer must also declare that 75% or more of the film was shot in Uttarakhand.
What is the grant percentage for films made in regional languages or dialects?
You are eligible for a grant of 50% of your total expenditure in Uttarakhand, capped at ₹2 crore, whichever amount is lower. The government increased this subsidy eight times for Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari films.
What is the grant percentage for films made in Hindi or 8th Schedule languages?
You can receive 30% of your total expenditure in the state, capped at ₹3 crore, depending on which value is lower. The subsidy for films in the 22 Eighth Schedule languages has been doubled.
What assistance is available for foreign language films?
If your project is in a foreign language and you spent at least ₹3 crore in the state while showing local locations, you are eligible for 50% of the expenditure, capped at ₹3 crore, whichever is lower.
Are TV serials and web series also eligible?
Yes, productions in Hindi, 8th Schedule languages, or local dialects of Uttarakhand are eligible for 30% of the shooting expenditure, limited to a maximum of ₹3 crore. Subsidies are also available for OTT content, short films, and documentaries.
When can a producer apply for the grant?
You should start your application process only after receiving your Film Censor Certificate and fulfilling the release or exhibition requirements. The proposal must reach the Council within one year of the censor certificate date.
Who approves the final grant amount?
The grant amount is finalized and sanctioned following the approval of the Hon'ble Chief Minister or the Chairman of the Film Development Council.