The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting unveiled the Bharat Pavilion at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 15, aiming to highlight India’s cinematic contributions on a global platform.
The Bharat Pavilion is a staple at Cannes, and its inauguration was attended by key figures such as Secretary Sanjay Jaju of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Jawed Ashraf, India’s Ambassador to France. Filmmaker Richie Mehta was among the prominent industry representatives present.
Secretary Sanjay Jaju expressed satisfaction with India’s growing representation in the official Cannes selection this year. He emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting Indian projects at the festival, noting the pavilion’s pivotal role in fostering networking and collaboration. “The pavilion is a hub for networking and collaboration, elevating the visibility and accessibility of Indian cinema worldwide,” Jaju highlighted.
Ambassador Jawed Ashraf discussed India’s rising global importance, particularly in cinema, as a vehicle for showcasing its cultural depth and storytelling capabilities. He elaborated, “India is gaining attention worldwide, both geopolitically and economically, due to its philosophical contributions, thoughts, and ideas. Its role in a multipolar world of great uncertainty is significant as we transition from the existing international order into a new one. All these aspects are interconnected, making it increasingly important for us to have a greater presence abroad, particularly in cinema.”
Filmmaker Richie Mehta expressed his pride in bringing Indian narratives to an international audience. He shared, “It’s such a momentous occasion of Indian cinema here. One of my missions as a Canadian Indian has been to export the best of Indian storytelling, not just from a film standpoint, but from the stories, from people on the ground, from the amazing culture that we have to show the world. It’s a real honour to be a part of this inaugural.”
The participation of various Indian states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra, in the Cannes Film Market, was another highlight. These states showcased India’s diverse filming locations and state-level incentives for international film production. Notably, three films facilitated by India’s Film Facilitation Office (FFO) were shortlisted in different sections of this year’s festival.
The Bharat Pavilion hosted numerous panel discussions and networking sessions throughout the festival. These events provided insights into Indian films, talent, and industry opportunities, fostering greater international collaboration.
Renowned Indian actresses Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Aditi Rao Hydari returned to the Cannes red carpet, representing L’Oréal Paris, the official Makeup Partner of the Festival de Cannes. Other Indian actors, including Kiara Advani, Shohita Dhulipala, Jacqueline Fernandez, Urvashi Rautela, and Deepti Sadhwani, were also featured on the red carpet.
The Bharat Pavilion at Cannes remains a crucial initiative, reinforcing India’s cinematic presence on the world stage and promoting its rich cultural heritage through the medium of film.
