Bharat Pavilion Opens at 78th Cannes Film Festival, Spotlighting India’s Cinematic Brilliance
India marked a powerful presence at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival with the inauguration of the Bharat Pavilion on Thursday. This milestone reaffirms India’s expanding influence in the global film industry. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the participation of notable figures such as celebrated filmmaker and IFFI Festival Director Shekhar Kapur, veteran actor Anupam Kher, and Anne-Louise Mesadieu, a Paris Region elected representative and diplomat. Their attendance underscored the growing cultural synergy between India and the international film community. Anne-Louise Mesadieu, during her welcome speech, commended India’s rich storytelling traditions and underlined the role of cinema in building global connections. She further assured that the French government is committed to facilitating Indo-French film co-productions, paving the way for deeper collaboration. Shekhar Kapur, in his keynote address, highlighted cinema’s transformative nature and emphasized India’s emergence as a hub of creative innovation and storytelling. The event also saw the unveiling of the poster and trailer for the upcoming International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025. Gautam Bhanot, General Manager at NFDC India, elaborated on the vision behind the IFFI 2025 poster, describing it as a fusion of creativity and advanced technology, symbolizing India’s readiness to lead in global content creation. Another major feature of the ceremony was the launch of the India Film Guide, a detailed handbook spotlighting India’s film-making potential, co-production incentives, and scenic shooting locales. The guide’s release symbolizes India’s commitment to engaging with international collaborators and opening doors to global cinema partnerships. Anupam Kher shared a heartfelt message in his address, reflecting on India’s cinematic evolution and his own journey. “I’m eight years younger than my country. We’ve grown together and achieved so much. This is my first visit to Cannes, and I’m thrilled to be at this Mahakumbh of cinema,” he said. Adding a melodious layer to the event, popular Indian singer Astha Gill captivated the audience with a rendition of Saare Jahaan Se Achha, bringing a patriotic and emotional touch to the evening. Dignitaries including Shri Rupjyoti Brahma Karjee, Consul General of India in Marseille; Sreerag Mukundan, OSD (Films), Ministry of I&B; and Ravi Kottarakara, President of the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, were also present. Their contributions continue to strengthen India’s cultural and cinematic diplomacy. The Bharat Pavilion, an initiative by NFDC and FICCI under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, remains a dynamic hub at Cannes. It plays a crucial role in promoting Indian cinema internationally, creating opportunities for filmmakers, producers, and audiences to connect across borders. Source: ANI
