The Andhra Pradesh State Film, Television and Theatre Development Corporation is going to add short films category in the Nandi awards from the next year.
The corporation has been presenting the prestigious State awards to the best feature films, theatrical performances and television programmes so far. “To begin with, we are conducting Amaravathi Short Film Festival this year and the Nandi awards will be extended to short films from the next year. This is to encourage the younger talent that is proving its mettle in this field,” said P.V.V.P. Krishna Rao (popularly known as Ambica Krishna), chairman of the corporation, while inaugurating the Nandi Natakotsavalu at the Dantu Kalakshetram here on Sunday.
As many as 75 theatrical performances would be made during the 18-day festival, in which hundreds of theatre artistes and technicians from all over the State would participate.
Theatre awards
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Krishna said that Kandukuri Veeresalingam Memorial Theatre Awards would be presented to the best actors from this year and 10 entries from each district would be finalised for the award.
“Along with presenting a cash prize of ₹10,000 each to 130 artistes, we are also going to present three best awards at the State-level,” he added.
Increasing patronage
Highlighting the need for increasing patronage to theatre, he said the Nandi Natakotsavalu was one such occasion, in which artistes and technicians would compete with one another to give their best.
“Theatre is a part and parcel of our culture and the State government is taking all steps to preserve it, despite financial hurdles,” he observed.
Referring to feature film production, Mr. Krishna said efforts were on to bring the film industry towards the State.
Sops for films
“I have met all the heroes in person and requested them to ensure the shoot of at least one schedule of their films in the State, to which most of them responded positively. We are also offering tax waiver to films produced with a budget below ₹4 crore and completely shot in the State,” he said.
Kakinada city MLA Vanamadi Venkateswara Rao presided over the function, in which MLC Chikkala Ramachandra Rao, president of the Young Men’s Happy Club Dantu Bhaskara Rao, general manager of the corporation M.V.L.N. Seshasai and others were present.
Though Kakinada MP Thota Narasimham turned up at the venue, he preferred to stay away from the event and returned before the inaugural function.
