India to Host ‘Bharat Parv’ at 77th Cannes Film Festival

India is poised for a remarkable presence at the 77th Cannes Film Festival as it prepares to host ‘Bharat Parv’, showcasing the country’s vibrant creative landscape to global luminaries and delegates.

Set against the backdrop of the prestigious film gala, a delegation comprising representatives from central and state governments, alongside industry stalwarts, will present India’s creative prowess at Marche du Films through a series of strategic initiatives, as announced by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

In a historic first, ‘Bharat Parv’ will grace the Cannes Film Festival, offering a platform for interaction between Indian film luminaries, including celebrities, filmmakers, directors, producers, buyers, and sales agents from across the globe. This initiative aims to spotlight India’s rich reservoir of creative talent and myriad opportunities.

The grand event will witness the unveiling of the official poster and trailer for the 55th India International Film Festival (IFFI), scheduled to be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2024. Additionally, the ‘Save the Date’ for the inaugural World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), to be held alongside IFFI, will also be announced during ‘Bharat Parv’.

Scheduled to inaugurate on May 15 at the Bharat Pavilion located at 108 Village International Riviera, the event will witness the presence of eminent personalities from the film fraternity, as highlighted by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

The Bharat Pavilion at Cannes serves as a hub for various activities including production collaborations, knowledge sessions, distribution deals, script approvals, B2B meetings, and networking opportunities, orchestrated by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).

A dedicated ‘Bharat Stall’ at Marche du Cannes, facilitated by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), will further enhance opportunities for industry collaboration.

Designed by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, the Bharat Pavilion, christened ‘The Sutradhara’, embodies this year’s theme of “Create in India”.

The festival will also showcase several Indian films, including Payal Kapadia’s ‘All We Imagine As Light’, competing for the prestigious Palme d’Or after three decades. Other notable entries include Sandhya Suri’s ‘Santosh’, Karan Kandhari’s ‘Sister Midnight’, and Maisam Ali’s ‘In Retreat’.

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal’s ‘Manthan’, spotlighting the Amul dairy cooperative movement, will feature in the Classics section, underscoring India’s cinematic heritage.

The festival will also pay tribute to National Award-winning cinematographer Santosh Sivan with the prestigious Pierre Angenieux tribute, making him the first Indian to receive this honor. Sivan will deliver a masterclass for Cannes delegates.

Indian states including Goa, Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Jharkhand, and Delhi are expected to participate, showcasing the country’s diverse locales and film talent.

Interactive sessions at the Bharat Pavilion will cover topics such as incentives for creating in India, international collaboration in film festivals, India as a filming destination, and bilateral film co-productions, fostering engagement and collaboration within the global film community.

The 77th Cannes Film Festival, running from May 14 to 25, promises a dynamic celebration of cinema, with India poised to leave an indelible mark on the global stage.