Prime Minister Narendra Modi is overjoyed by India’s participation at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. India has been named the “country of honour” at the Marché du Film – festival de Cannes.
According to news agency ANI, the PM’s message stated, “As India celebrates its 75th year of independence, the 75th anniversary of Cannes Film Festival, as well as 75 years of Indo-French diplomatic ties enhance the pride and joy associated with the momentous milestones.”
Due to India’s status at the event, a special screening of a restored Indian classic Pratidwandi (1970), directed by Satyajit Ray, has been planned as part of the festival’s Cannes Classics selection.
“It is heartening to note that a film by one of India’s most renowned filmmakers, Shri Satyajit Ray, has been restored for screening at the Cannes Classics section, when India is celebrating the birth centenary of the legendary filmmaker. This edition of Cannes Film Festival is special in many ways. Many start-ups from India will showcase their strengths to the cinema world. The India Pavilion will display facets of Indian cinema and promote international partnerships and learnings,” PM Modi shared that the film’s screening will be one of the highlights of the opening night ceremony.
PM Modi added that “from facilitating international film co-productions, to ensuring single window clearance mechanism for permissions for filming across the country,” India provides several opportunities for filmmakers around the world that its locations and technology provide a “backdrop for filmmakers”.
PM Modi said that India has the potential of being the “content hub of the world”. He said, “Rich heritage and cultural diversity are India’s strengths. We have a lot of stories to be explored. India possesses immense potential to become the content hub of the world. Government of India remains steadfast in its efforts towards furthering ease of doing business in the film sector.”
The India Pavilion will be inaugurated by Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur on Wednesday, May 18, at Cannes and the universal theme for this year is India – the content hub of the world. Anurag Thakur arrived at the Marché du Film – festival de Cannes on Tuesday and was received by India’s Ambassador to France Jawed Ashraf on Tuesday, May 17.
Celebs like AR Rahman, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Nayanthara, Pooja Hegde, Prasoon Joshi, R Madhavan, Ricky Kej, Shekhar Kapur, Tamannaah Bhatia, Vani Tripathi and folk singer Mame Khan are going to be a part of the delegation led by the Union Minister.
