India Shines at 75th Cannes Film Festival

The 75th edition of the International Festival de Cannes, one of the most important film festivals in terms of worldwide impact, was held from May 17 to May 28, 2022 in France. India was the official ‘Country of Honour’ at the Marché Du Film, organized alongside the film festival. It was the first time the Marché du Film had an official ‘Country of Honour’.

Notably, France and India are marking 75 years of their diplomatic ties. It is in this significant diplomatic backdrop that India was chosen as the 'Country of Honour' at Marché du Film at Cannes. Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expressed happiness on India's participation as ‘Country of Honour’ at Cannes. He noted that India's participation comes at the momentous meeting of cele-bration of 75 years of India's independence, 75th anniversary of Cannes Film Festival and 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and France.

The 'Country of Honour' status thereby ensured India's presence as 'Focus Country at the Opening Night' of Marché du Films, with spotlight on India, its cinema, its culture and heritage. Adding Indian flavour to this night were special performances by Indian choir bands along with folk music.

Another highlight of India's participation at this edition of Cannes Film Festival was the world premier of the movie Rocketry: The Nambi Effect produced and directed by R. Madhavan. The movie was showcased at the Palais des Festivals of the market screening. The premier was attended by scientist Shri Nambi Narayanan, along with the HMIB Shri Anurag Thakur. Rocketry: The Nambi Effect is a retelling of Shri Narayanan's life story.

Five more films were screened at the Cannes Film Festival, apart from Rocketery. These were screened at the Olympia Screen.

1. Godavari by Nikhil Mahajan (Marathi)

2. Alpha Beta Gamma by Shankar Srikumar (Hindi)

3. Boomba Ride by Biswajeet Bora (Mishing)

4. Dhuin by Achal Mishra (Hindi, Maithili)

5. Tree Full of Parrots by Jayaraj (Malayalam)

Apart from this, India's celebration of centenary of Satyajit Ray continued at Cannes as a remastered classic of Satyajit Ray classic, Pratidwandi was screened at the Cannes Classic section Cinéma de la plage.

Additionally, India has been given an opportunity to pitch five selected movies at the 'Goes to Cannes Section'. These movies are part of the Work In Progress lab under the Film Bazaar:

1. Baghjan by Jaicheng Zxai Dohutia (Assamese, Moran)

2. Bailadila by Shailendra Sahu (Hindi, Chhattisgarhi)

3. Ek Jagah Apni (A Space of Our Own) by Ektara Collective (Hindi)

4. Follower by Harshad Nalawade (Marathi, Kannada, Hindi)

5. Shivamma by Jai Shankar (Kannada)

 India was also a ‘Country of Honour’ at the Cannes Next and as one of the many firsts, startups from India showcased their strengths to the cine-world. Five new startups were given an opportunity to pitch to the audiovisual industry. Several professionals participated in the Animation Day networking.

The India Pavilion focussed on branding India as 'Content Hub of the World'. It showcased Indian cinema across linguistic, cultural, and regional diversities of the country and served as a networking platform for delegates from across the global community, aiming to establish international partnerships in film shooting, distribution, production, script development, technology, promoting film sales and syndication. A dedicated India Forum, ‘One Hour Conference’ was organised at the Main Stage, comprising of the leaders of the entertainment sector.

In a star studded presence on the red carpet, Shri Anurag Thakur led the largest ever Indian official delegation of eleven celebrities walking together on the inaugural event at Cannes Film Festival. Putting on display the diversity and uniqueness of Indian cinema, the glamorous red carpet contingent comprised film celebrities from across India. Consisting of eleven members walking towards the legendary stairs of the Palais des Festivals, the delegation carried all the symbolism of India's ambition to become a global cinema hub.

In a historic moment for Indian folk arts, Shri Mame Khan became the first ever folk artist to open a red carpet for the Indian contingent at Cannes ever. Other celebrities who accompanied the Minister were Shekhar Kapur, AR Rahman, Ricky Kej, Prasoon Joshi, Vani Tripathi, R Madhavan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pooja Hegde, and Tamannah Bhatia. This delegation from Indian Cinema represented a kaleidoscope of diversity from various regions, languages, mainstream and OTT led cinema. India, the land of storytellers, is setting a beautiful narrative for the world through its strongest ever Red Carpet presence at Cannes.

 Indian actor Deepika Padukone was a part of the jury at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2022.

The Hon'ble MoS for Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri L. Murugan also visited the Indian Pavilion, where he interacted with officials, delegates and filmmakers from various countries attending the film festival. He also invited them to visit the country and make use of the various measures and incentives taken by the Central Government to make films in India.

-EN Team (Source : PIB)