The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has extended the deadline by one month for submitting proposals to produce full-length and short films under the government grant scheme for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

Under the revised schedule, interested filmmakers can submit their complete package proposals until April 1. The previous deadline for submitting the story, screenplay and overall production plan was March 1. The extension was confirmed by the ministry’s Joint Secretary, Mahfuza Akhter.

Earlier, the ministry issued a notice inviting package proposals from producers, directors, filmmakers, film personalities, professional institutions, writers and screenwriters for the selection of stories and screenplays. So far, a total of 189 proposals for full-length films and 140 proposals for short films have been submitted in three phases.

Officials hope this will be the final extension and that no further time will be granted. They expect the desired number of proposals for both categories to be submitted within the extended period.

To promote the expansion of the film industry and encourage talent and creativity, the ministry has decided to provide government grants to 32 films in the upcoming fiscal year, including up to 12 full-length and 20 short films.

Applicants are required to submit a complete package proposal consisting of one original copy along with 12 sets for full-length films. The same requirement applies to short films.

Industry insiders believe the extended deadline could intensify competition for the grants. With additional time in hand, filmmakers and producers are expected to submit more comprehensive and well-structured proposals, potentially raising the overall quality of submissions and making the final selection process more competitive.