By Renu Mehta
Toronto
India is looking to strengthen its presence in the global film and entertainment industry through Bharat Parv, an initiative bringing Indian filmmakers, producers, creators, studios, distributors, investors and technology companies together at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Presented in connection with the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), Bharat Parv aims to build international partnerships in areas such as co-productions, investment, technology, talent and global distribution.
The initiative was officially inaugurated on September 14 at the India Pavilion at TIFF: The Market at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
The event brings attention to opportunities across content development, distribution, OTT and digital entertainment, animation, visual effects, gaming and emerging technologies.
Dinesh K. Patnaik, India’s High Commissioner to Canada, attended the inauguration along with Mahaveer Singhvi, Consul General of India, and senior officials from India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Filmmaker Deepa Mehta and producer David Hamilton also attended.
“We are one of the cheapest production areas in the world,” Patnaik said, highlighting India’s potential as both a destination for international productions and a partner for co-productions.
“For us, it works both ways,” he said. “One is to come for co-productions and joint productions and the other is to become a hub for global film production.”
Patnaik said India has the resources to support a wide range of productions, from feature films and documentaries to television and short films. He also pointed to the TIFF Bazaar as an important opportunity to connect international companies with India’s film industry.
“There is a large ecosystem that knows about India but they don’t know who to contact,” he said. Officials from India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will help make those connections, while the Indian Consulate in Toronto will assist in arranging meetings.
Ramoji Studios, based in Hyderabad, also took part in the TIFF market. Representatives showcased the studio’s production facilities, which include more than 300 sets and locations. The studio handles more than 400 productions annually and can accommodate up to 15 shoots at the same time.
“We have great locations; we have the entire sector right from the cameramen to the lighting to great post-production and pre-production facilities,” Patnaik said. “The world should come to India to use those facilities because we provide these at very competitive rates.”
With Bharat Parv, India is using TIFF as a platform to attract international investment, encourage co-productions and promote its film and entertainment infrastructure to a global audience.