The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage has begun work to improve the country’s film industry.

Minister Yumna Maumoon revealed this in an interview to RaajjeTV’s Falasurukhee programme on Wednesday, where she was joined by Deputy Minister Mohamed Ikram.

She said that the ministry is working to hold the national film awards in October, while the National Centre for the Arts is conducting the necessary work to show local movies across the country.

The ministry is to also establish a national development plan to establish regional cinemas, while discussions are being held to present movies at schools for the time being.

Furthermore, she said that the decision to release practice rooms at Olympus has been receiving immense support, adding that the rooms are most suitable for dance and drama practices.

Minister Yumna said that they will be upgrading these rooms, to make it useable for musicians.

Also on Wednesday, the minister revealed that work is being done to upgrade the National Art Gallery and Maldives’ biggest cinema hall ‘Olympus.’

She said that the Olympus cinema is in poor condition and that ministry has begun work to re-develop the building.

She added that work is also being done to renovate the art gallery, adding that its security has been also been upgraded.