The Cannes Film Festival kicked off on May 13 with filmmakers, artists, and cinephiles from across the world in attendance. Several Indian actors and filmmakers walked the red carpet on Wednesday, and multiple Indian films were screened as part of the prestigious event. Adding to India’s growing presence at Cannes, the Bharat Pavilion was also inaugurated, reaffirming the country’s commitment to promoting its cinema on the global stage.
The event saw the presence of known faces such as filmmaker and IFFI Festival Director Shekhar Kapur, veteran actor Anupam Kher, and Anne-Louise Mesadieu, a Paris Region elected official and Ambassador for Diplomatic Relations, as per a press note released by the organisers. The Pavilion has been set up by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
While speaking at the event, Mesadieu expressed appreciation for storytelling strength and cultural richness of Indian cinema. She also reiterated France’s support for Indo-French co-productions in films. Shekhar Kapur spoke on the growing influence of India as a creative powerhouse and the role of cinema in fostering global unity.
The event also featured the launch of the IFFI 2025 poster and trailer. The press note mentioned that Gautam Bhanot, GM, Film Promotion (Festivals, Market and International Participation) at NFDC, said the new IFFI poster reflects “a convergence of creativity and technology”, and added that India is ready to take a leading role in global content creation.
Besides, the India Film Guide was launched, promoting India’s film talent, co-production incentives, and filming locations. The guide is intended to project India as a viable partner for international collaborations.
The press note also mentioned that actor Anupam Kher, in his address to the audience, looked at the journey of Indian cinema and his own development in conjunction with the nation’s film industry. “This is my first time in Cannes. I am so happy to be here in the Mahakumbh of cinema,” Kher said.
Singer Astha Gill also performed at the event, concluding with a rendition of Saare Jahaan Se Achha. Also present were Shri Rupjyoti Brahma Karjee, Consulate General of India in Marseille, Sreerag Mukundan from the Ministry of I&B, and Ravi Kottarakara, President of the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce.
The Bharat Pavilion at Cannes serves as a networking and promotional hub for Indian filmmakers, providing an opportunity to connect with global distributors, producers, and festival organisers.
(With inputs from ANI)