Richie Mehta highlights Indian cinema's global impact at Cannes' Bharat Pavilion
May 16, 2024
Cannes [France], May 16 : The 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival witnessed a significant moment as the inauguration ceremony of the Bharat Pavilion took place on Wednesday.
Filmmaker Richie Mehta graced the occasion, highlighting the monumental occasion for Indian cinema and its global outreach.
Reflecting on the significance of Indian storytelling, Mehta expressed, "The festivals have helped me basically unlocking a career. And also one of my missions has been to, as a Canadian Indian to export the best of Indian storytelling and I'm not talking about from a film standpoint, I'm talking about from the stories, from people on the ground, from the amazing culture that we have to show the world. It's a real honour to be a part of this inauguration."
His words resonated with the essence of the event, emphasizing the rich cultural tapestry that Indian cinema weaves on the global stage.
The event was attended by dignitaries representing India, including Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and H.E. Jawed Ashraf, the Ambassador of India to France.
Hosted annually at Cannes by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry of India, the Bharat Pavilion underscores the nation's commitment to showcasing its cinematic heritage and fostering international collaborations.
Various states and union territories such as Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra participated, showcasing India's diverse cinematic landscape at the Cannes Film Market.
Joining the inauguration were esteemed guests like Tholoana Rose Ncheke, Chairperson of the National Film and Video Foundation, South Africa, and Christian Jeune, Director of Films Department, Cannes Film Festival.
Their presence underscored the global resonance of Indian cinema.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, India will host a Bharat Parv at the Cannes Film Festival, providing a platform to engage with industry stakeholders from across the world.
This initiative aims to showcase the creative opportunities and abundant talent pool present in India's film industry.
Moreover, the Bharat Parv will witness the unveiling of the official poster and trailer of the 55th India International Film Festival (IFFI), scheduled to be held in Goa from November 20 to 28. This adds another layer of anticipation and excitement to India's presence at Cannes.
In conclusion, the inauguration of the Bharat Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival marks a significant milestone for Indian cinema, reinforcing its global footprint and fostering international partnerships in the world of filmmaking.