Bharat Pavilion at The 77th Cannes Film Festival Inaugurated

Bharat Pavilion at The 77th Cannes Film Festival Inaugurated

At the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Bharat experienced immense success with multiple official selections across various categories. Today, the inauguration of The Bharat Pavilion took place at the prestigious festival in France, marking a year of great achievements for the country in the world of cinema.

India’s participation in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival is organized annually by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Government of India. The National Film Development Corporation and FICCI play key roles as the nodal agency and industry partner, respectively, in promoting India’s rich cinematic heritage and encouraging global collaborations within the film industry.

The opening ceremony was led by Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri. Sanjay Jaju, and Ambassador of India to France, Shri. Jawed Ashraf, highlighting India’s dedication to showcasing its talent on the international stage.

The historic inauguration was attended by distinguished dignitaries, celebrated filmmakers, and influential leaders from the industry who came together to honor the spirit of Indian cinema. Notable guests in attendance included Ms. Tholoana Rose Ncheke, Chairperson of the National Film and Video Foundation in South Africa, Mr. Christian Jeune, Director of the Films Department and Deputy General Delegate of the Cannes Film Festival, as well as Filmmaker Richie Mehta, among others.

During the event, Shri Sanjay Jaju expressed his delight at the increased presence of Indian projects in the official selection at Cannes this year. He noted that both projects had received support from the government in the form of incentives and official co-productions, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that have contributed to their success.

“The Bharat Pavilion aims to act as a central hub for networking, collaboration, and the promotion of Indian Cinema on a global scale. Our goal is to facilitate increased collaboration between the Indian audio visual industry and international partners, ultimately boosting the recognition and availability of Indian Cinema worldwide. This initiative aligns with the national objective of leveraging the influence of Cinema to bolster the country’s soft power.” – Secretary.

“India’s increasing global prominence is being recognized both in terms of geopolitics and economics, fueled by its rich philosophical traditions and innovative ideas. As we navigate the complexities of a shifting international landscape, India’s role in a multipolar world holds great significance. This interconnectedness underscores the importance of expanding our presence on the global stage, particularly in the realm of cinema,” stated H.E. Jawed Ashraf.

“The Indian cinema community is celebrating a significant milestone here. Personally, I owe a huge debt to the film festivals that have been instrumental in shaping my career. As a Canadian of Indian descent, my goal has always been to showcase the best of Indian storytelling, not just in terms of film, but also in sharing the vibrant culture and narratives of our people with the world. It is a true privilege to be a part of this inaugural event,” remarked Richie Mehta.

This year, several states from India including Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra are showcasing their stunning locations at the Cannes Film Market to attract international filmmakers and promote state incentives for film production. Three Indian films, facilitated through India’s Film Facilitation Office (FFO), have made it to the shortlist at the festival.

For the first time ever, Jammu & Kashmir is participating in the Cannes Film Market, presenting its picturesque landscapes to global production companies. The response from stakeholders during business meetings on the first day has been incredibly positive, with officials at the J&K booth expressing optimism about the state’s film incentive policy, which is less than a year old. J&K is eager to welcome filmmakers to what is affectionately known as ‘Heaven on Earth’.

The Bharat Pavilion acts as a vibrant hub, offering access to the multifaceted world of Indian cinema, talent, and business prospects. It will showcase a variety of engaging panel discussions and networking events throughout the duration of the 77th Cannes Film Festival.