Our Bureau
Cannes
The Bharat Pavilion was officially inaugurated at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in a vibrant ceremony, marking a significant milestone in India’s expanding global cinematic influence. The event, held yesterday, drew prominent figures from the film industry and diplomatic circles, underscoring the growing ties between Indian cinema and the international community.
The inauguration featured celebrated personalities such as acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who also serves as Festival Director of IFFI and NFDC, veteran actor Anupam Kher, and Anne-Louise Mésadieu, Paris Region elected official and Special Delegate for Diplomatic Relations. Their presence highlighted the importance of the occasion and the strengthening cultural bridge between India and France.
During her address, Anne-Louise Mésadieu welcomed the Bharat Pavilion to Cannes, lauding India’s rich cinematic heritage and its power to tell stories that resonate globally. She emphasized the role of such platforms in fostering cultural understanding and diplomacy, and affirmed the French government’s commitment to facilitating Indo-French film co-productions.
Shekhar Kapur spoke about the transformational impact of cinema and India’s emergence as a creative powerhouse on the world stage. The ceremony also saw the unveiling of the IFFI 2025 Poster and Trailer, with NFDC’s Gautam Bhanot highlighting India’s readiness to embrace technology and lead in global content creation.
A key highlight was the launch of the India Film Guide, a comprehensive resource promoting India’s filmmaking talent, incentives for international collaborations, and diverse filming locations. This initiative symbolizes India’s openness to global partnerships in cinema.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher delivered a heartfelt speech, reflecting on Indian cinema’s journey and his personal experiences representing the country internationally.
Organized by NFDC and FICCI under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the Bharat Pavilion continues to serve as a vibrant hub for connecting filmmakers, distributors, and audiences worldwide. As the festival progresses, India’s presence at Cannes stands out as a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and cultural diplomacy
