Mumbai: The Western India Film & TV Producers’ Association (WIFPA) and the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC), a body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, organized a conference on Gujarat’s entertainment and media industry on February 28, 2026, at the campus of Gujarat University in Ahmedabad. The seminar witnessed participation from government officials, prominent personalities from the film fraternity, producers, artists, technicians, and students of Gujarat University.

Renowned speakers including Dr. Jayantilal Gada, Dr. Abhay Sinha, Sandeep Patel, Dr. Netri Trivedi, Abhishek Shah, and Abhishek Jain shared valuable insights on the opportunities and challenges in the entertainment sector. The chief organizers of the council, SEPC Director Dr. Abhay Kumar Sinha and WIFPA President Sangram Shirkhe, cited the example of the superhit Gujarati film Lalo, stating that the Gujarati film industry is poised to achieve a distinct position in the coming years. They also encouraged the students of Gujarat University. WIFPA Vice President Dr. Hirachand Dand, one of the key organizers, shared his perspectives on the future of the entertainment industry.

The WIFPA delegation included Senior Vice President Mrs. Anjana Sharma; Honorary General Secretary Dinesh Ashiwal; Joint Secretary Chandni Gupta; Dharmendra Mehra, Honorary General Secretary of the Film Makers Combine and the Film Federation of India; Amit Kumar Gupta, Treasurer – Film Makers Combine; Dr. Pralhad Khandare, Champ Treasurer; Mrs. Chanda Patel; Akhil Kotak; and Executive Committee Member and Gujarat Office Manager Hitesh Anand.

The conference featured discussions on various topics including the Gujarati film industry, film production challenges, government subsidies, the role of writers and directors, and the development of cinema halls in Gujarat. Gujarati film star Hitesh Kanodia, along with the entire team of the film Lalo and other artists, participated in the seminar and B2B sessions. The event showcased the talent of Gujarati artists and technicians, giving a new direction to Gujarati cinema.

The Government of Gujarat’s cinema and tourism policy aims to facilitate film production by offering financial incentives, infrastructure development, and employment opportunities for youth.

First Dialogue Council On Gujarat Entertainment And Media Industries Concludes At Gujarat University, Ahmedabad