Bermudian students will not have reduced fees at India's famed film institute instead two Island students a year will be granted a Government scholarship to the Whistling Woods International film institute.

It is hoped that the scholarships and agreement will lead to Bollywood films being shot on the Island.

A two-year film programme at Whistling Woods costs approximately $30,000 while a one-year programme costs approximately $9,000.

The Premier's press secretary Arnold Minors issued a press release on Sunday stating: "[The Premier] also visited the Whistling Woods Film Institute, where he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement allows Bermudian students to attend the famed institute at reduced rates."

However, Whistling Wood International's press release stated the MOU means the Government of Bermuda will provide sponsorships to two students every year from Bermuda to study filmmaking at the institute. It also means the facility will recommend Bermuda to the Indian entertainment industry.

When asked which of the two statements were correct Mr. Minors said: "Both are. Bermuda Government sponsors [the students]. Whistling Woods will reduce its rate for Bermuda students i.e. Government will pay less than it might have."

He added: "Whistling Woods will reduce the rate of tuition for the two Bermuda Government sponsored students. Any other students wishing to attend Whistling Woods are not covered by the MOU."

Mr. Minors said he did not yet know how much the fees would be reduced for the two students selected by the Government.

In their press release Subhash Ghai, Chairman of Whistling Woods International said: "It is a great honour to have such personalities from all over the world visiting our institute. Whistling Woods International is now truly international with this association and with this we expect a lot of Bollywood shoots to happen in Bermuda".

Bollywood is the largest film producer in India and one of the largest centres of film production in the world.