New Delhi, May 17 (Representative) India has lots of stories to be told and it truly possesses immense potential to become the content hub of the world, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi while extending his best wishes for a “resounding success” to the Cannes Film Festival in France that kicks off today. The PM’s comments come as India has been chosen as ‘Country of Honour’ at the Cannes Film Market (Marché du Film), at the Cannes this year and a host of Indian celebrities are to walk the red carpet at the film festival as part of a delegation led by Indian Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur.
The event also coincides with India’s celebration of its 75th year of independence and 75 years of Indo-French diplomatic ties. “I am delighted to learn about India’s participation as a Country of Honour at the Marché du Film – festival de Cannes. 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,” the Prime Minister said in a message.
Modi said India’s rich heritage and cultural diversity are strengths of the country. The PM said, “India is the largest film producing country in the world. With films in many languages from different regions, the multifariousness of our film sector is remarkable. Rich heritage and cultural diversity are India’s strengths. We have a lot of stories to be explored. India truly possesses immense potential to become the content hub of the world”. He also highlighted the government’s efforts towards facilitating international film co-productions, and ensuring single window clearance for permissions for filming as well as the locales across India, and technological expertise. “Indian Government remains steadfast in its efforts towards furthering ease of doing business in the film sector,” he said adding that, “from facilitating international film co-productions, to ensuring single window clearance mechanism for permissions for filming across the country,” he said. “India offers seamless possibilities to filmmakers of the world,” PM Modi said adding, “the country’s spellbinding locations, technological prowess in film making and the talent of young men and women provide a perfect backdrop for film makers.” Renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s movie ‘Pratidwandi’, a 1970 Indian Bengali drama, has also been restored for screening at the film festival.
Modi said, “It is heartening to note that a film by one of India’s most renowned film makers, Satyajit Ray, has been restored for screening at the Cannes Classics section, when India is celebrating the birth centenary of the legendary film maker”. He said this festival is ‘special’ in many ways as many Indian start-ups will showcase their strengths to the cinema world. “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 said. “Best wishes for resounding success of the Festival,” he said. The Country of Honour status for India ensures its presence as Focus Country at the Opening Night of Marche du Film being organised at the Majestic Beach with spotlight on India, its cinema, its culture and heritage, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in statement. India is also a “Country of Honour at the Cannes Next, under which 5 new startups would be given an opportunity to pitch to the Audio-Visual Industry. Ten professionals will participate on the Animation Day networking. As a major highlight of India’s participation at this edition of Cannes Film Festival, World Premier of the Movie ‘Rocketry’ produced by R. Madhavan is scheduled to be showcased at the Palais des Festivals of the market screening on May 19, the statement read.