Filmmakers can now co-produce content that appeals to audiences across borders
In a significant development aimed at strengthening cultural ties and enhancing the film industries of both nations, India and Colombia have signed an Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement. This pact will enable filmmakers and producers from both countries to collaborate on various aspects of filmmaking, such as production, post-production, and marketing. 

Signed by L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, and Jorge Enrique Rojas Rodríguez, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, the agreement opens up new avenues for creative and economic cooperation between the two nations.

Colombia Becomes 17th Country to Partner With India on Audio-Visual Co-productions
Colombia is the 17th country to sign such an agreement with India, following in the footsteps of nations like Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, and more recently, Australia. These partnerships have allowed filmmakers from India to access global markets, government funding, tax incentives, and financial assistance while fostering cultural exchanges.

Murugan emphasized the importance of this agreement, stating, “India has enjoyed a long-standing cultural exchange with Colombia, and this new collaboration in the field of audio-visual production adds another dimension to our bilateral relations. It offers filmmakers from both countries an opportunity to pool creative, artistic, and technical resources while promoting goodwill and cultural ties.”

The Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement between India and Colombia will benefit film producers from both nations by providing them with a shared platform for collaboration. By pooling their creative and technical resources, filmmakers can co-produce content that appeals to audiences across borders. Moreover, the agreement facilitates access to financial and marketing resources, encouraging producers to explore diverse cultural themes and settings.

For Colombian filmmakers, this agreement opens doors to India’s expansive and vibrant film industry, often dubbed the world’s largest by the number of films produced annually. For Indian filmmakers, Colombia offers a unique cultural and natural landscape that can serve as a fresh backdrop for storytelling, with opportunities to tap into Latin American audiences.

Beyond film production, the agreement is expected to enhance cultural ties between India and Colombia. By promoting the exchange of artistic expertise and technical knowledge, the pact fosters cultural understanding and cooperation. The Indian government views such agreements as a way to showcase its "soft power"—a term used to describe a nation's ability to influence others through culture and ideals, rather than military or economic means.

The agreement will also benefit the local economies of both countries by creating jobs in the film sector. Artistic and technical professionals, as well as non-technical support staff, stand to gain employment from co-production projects. Additionally, film production activities are expected to generate foreign exchange inflows, especially for India, by attracting foreign investment to the country’s film sector.

Rodríguez highlighted the growing importance of cultural diplomacy, stating, “Our partnership with India is a testament to the growing friendship between our two countries. Film is a powerful medium that transcends borders, and this agreement allows us to share our stories, landscapes, and culture with the world.”

India a Popular Destination for International Filmmakers 
India has long been a popular destination for international filmmakers due to its diverse landscapes, skilled workforce, and cost-effective production services. This agreement is expected to further boost India’s appeal as a prime filming destination. By utilizing Indian locales for shooting, filmmakers from Colombia—and other partner countries—will benefit from financial incentives offered by the Indian government.

India’s incentives for film production have been increased significantly, with co-productions now eligible for up to 40% reimbursement of costs incurred in India, with a cap of ₹300 million. These incentives include a 30% base reimbursement, with additional bonuses for employing local manpower and showcasing Indian cultural content. This move is aimed at encouraging foreign filmmakers to bring their projects to India, thus contributing to the country’s film industry and economy.

The agreement with Colombia builds on India's successful partnerships with 16 other countries, including Australia, where a similar agreement was signed in 2023. Such collaborations have proven to be mutually beneficial, allowing both parties to access government funding, tax incentives, and other forms of financial support. These treaties also enable co-productions to qualify as national productions in each country, opening up access to domestic film distribution networks and broadcast quotas.

The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has played a pivotal role in promoting these partnerships. In addition to co-production agreements, the ministry also organizes the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which serves as a global platform for showcasing the best in cinema. 

In February 2025, India will host the World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a major event that will bring together traditional broadcasting, films, and new media industries. This summit is expected to serve as a platform for furthering international partnerships, including those forged through co-production agreements like the one with Colombia.

The India-Colombia Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement marks a new chapter in the cultural and economic partnership between the two nations. It not only opens doors for filmmakers but also strengthens bilateral relations by promoting cultural exchange and economic cooperation. As Colombia becomes the 17th country to sign such an agreement with India, both nations look forward to a fruitful collaboration in the world of cinema and beyond.