Few takers for NFAI after fee hike

Membership applicants reduce after archive increases fees from Rs 600 to Rs 2,000

Few takers for NFAI after fee hike

Membership applicants reduce after archive increases fees from Rs 600 to Rs 2,000

Even as the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) increased its annual membership fee last year, it's now finding it difficult to attract new members.

Furthermore, even old members are hesitating to renew their membership. The membership fee was increased from Rs 600 to Rs 2,000, as decided by former director Vijay Jadhav.

"Yes, we have received just five to 10 forms so far. Everybody wants to watch films for free and nobody wants to pay for it. Soon after we increased the fee, the number of forms decreased. The higher authorities decided to increase the fee," said Kiran A Dhiwar, film preservation officer.

The archive has now decided to extend the deadline for submission of forms until March. Looking at the low turnout they want to wait and see if more members will take membership.

"We have decided to accept forms until March because we want to see if members still want to join the club. It has been decided by the higher officials."

The members get a chance to watch around 60 films a year which include a film a week and can also attend film festival held at the NFAI.

Pankag Rag, director, FTII, who also handles NFAI said he had been informed about the low number of applications.

"We cannot do much right now but have to wait for some time. The decision has been taken by a group of experts. If by March we do not get the desirable number, then we will be left with no option but to reduce the fees."

An official on request of anonymity said there is no point in increasing the fee if the archive is not getting members. "Last year we had charged Rs 600 and had 600 members. If we reduce the fee from Rs 2,000 to Rs 1,000, I am sure we will be able to attract at least 300 members."

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