Cannes [France], May 15: The Bharat Pavilion was officially inaugurated at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in India’s expanding global cinematic presence.
The ceremony was attended by eminent dignitaries, including celebrated filmmaker and Festival Director of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Shri Shekhar Kapur, veteran actor Anupam Kher, and Anne-Louise Mesadieu, Paris Region elected official, Ambassador, and Special Delegate for Diplomatic Relations. Their participation underscored the strengthening cultural ties between Indian cinema and global audiences.
In her address, Anne-Louise Mesadieu welcomed the Bharat Pavilion to Cannes and lauded India’s rich cinematic heritage and its powerful storytelling that transcends borders. She emphasized the role of such cultural platforms in fostering global understanding and highlighted the readiness of the French government to support and facilitate co-productions with India.
During his inaugural address, Shekhar Kapur reflected on the transformative power of cinema and India’s emergence as a creative powerhouse on the international stage. The event also saw the launch of the IFFI 2025 poster and trailer, symbolizing the convergence of creativity and technology. Gautam Bhanot, GM, Film Promotion at NFDC India, explained that the new IFFI poster represents India’s readiness to harness technology in leading the global content creation space.
A highlight of the event was the launch of the India Film Guide, a comprehensive resource designed to showcase India’s filmmaking talent, international co-production incentives, and diverse filming locations. The guide’s launch underscored India’s commitment to fostering global collaborations in the film industry.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher shared personal reflections on the journey of Indian cinema and his experiences representing India on the world stage. “I am eight years younger than my country, and we grew together. We have really, really done very well. This is my first time in Cannes; I am so happy to be here in the Mahakumbh of cinema,” he remarked, capturing the pride and nostalgia that resonate with Indian filmmakers and audiences alike.
Adding a soulful touch to the inauguration, renowned Indian singer Astha Gill moved the audience with her rendition of the patriotic classic “Saare Jahaan Se Achha,” further uniting the cultural and cinematic celebration.
Also present were Shri Rupjyoti Brahma Karjee, Consulate General of India, Marseille, Sreerag Mukundan, OSD, Films, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and Ravi Kottarakara, President of the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce. Their presence highlighted the collaborative efforts driving Indo-French cultural cooperation.
Organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and FICCI under the aegis of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Govt. of India, the Bharat Pavilion at Cannes continues to serve as a dynamic platform for promoting Indian cinema worldwide. It connects filmmakers, distributors, and audiences under one vibrant cultural umbrella, further solidifying India’s stature in the global film industry.
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