Trivandrum: In a first in the country, Kerala will launch a state-owned Over-the-Top (OTT) platform, ‘CSpace’, on November 1, offering film lovers an array of movies, short films and documentaries of their choice. Minister for Cultural Affairs, Shri Saji Cheriyan announced the name of the OTT platform as CSpace, which is an initiative of Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) on behalf of the state government.
Noting that this was a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, Shri Cheriyan said the launch of the state-owned OTT will mark a new beginning and will considerably help in the growth of Malayalam Cinema. Assuring that the new OTT will not create a crisis for the movie-house business, he said films will be streamed on CSpace only after their theatrical release.
The OTT platform will also showcase films with artistic value irrespective of their performance at the box office, along with internationally recognised and award-winning films, best films screened at the annual International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), short films and documentaries.
The registration of films to be streamed on CSpace will begin on June 1, for which necessary arrangements have been made at Chitranjali Studio as well as the head office of KSFDC in the state capital.
On projects to modernise KSFDC, he said sufficient funds will be provided for the renovation of government-owned theatres and necessary funds have already been provided for the project to transform Chitranjali Studio into a favourite shooting location of filmmakers.
Noting that OTT has a global appeal in the Internet era, KSFDC Chairman, Shri Shaji N Karun said it offers a wide reach for films without language barriers.
KSFDC MD, Smt N Maya, IFS, who welcomed the gathering, said the OTT platform is never going to affect the theatre business as it is meant for appreciating a variety of films, including short films and award-winning documentaries.
KSFDC Board Members, Shri Kaithapram Damodaran Namboodiri and Shri Sherin Govind, who attended the function online; KSFDC Company Secretary and Finance Manager, Smt Vidya G; and KSFDC Administrative Officer, Shri O V Thadevus, also spoke.
Established in 1975, KSFDC is the first public sector corporation for film development in India.
Kerala Biz News