CANNES, 19th May 2023: The India Pavilion at the prestigious 76th Cannes Film Festival witnessed a series of engaging sessions today, with the honorable Union Minister of State, Dr. L Murugan, leading the discussions. One of the highlights was the session on “India’s Unexplored Locations,” which brought together esteemed panelists to shed light on the potential filming destinations within the country. The panel consisted of Ms. Pooja Sharma, Chairperson of the Sikkim Film Promotion Board, representing the Government of Sikkim; Mr. Vikas Kharge, Principal Secretary of Culture for the Government of Maharashtra; Mr. Avinash Thakney, Managing Director of Film City; and Ms. Kivini Shohe, a renowned filmmaker from Nagaland. Their collective expertise provided valuable insights into the lesser-known regions of India that offer picturesque settings for film shoots.
The session began with captivating video presentations showcasing the natural beauty and cultural richness of Sikkim, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Mizoram, emphasizing their potential as filming destinations. The discussions focused on the various initiatives taken by both the federal and state governments to facilitate and encourage filming in these regions.
Ms. Pooja Sharma specifically highlighted Sikkim’s growing popularity as a film location, attributing it to the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay and the state government’s dedicated efforts. The presentation shed light on Sikkim’s unique landscapes, serene surroundings, and supportive infrastructure that makes it an ideal choice for filmmakers.Ms. Sharma wore an ethnic Sikkimese brocade with a blend of contemporary design by Chimmi Lagstal, The Lagstal Studio and topped it with ethnic Nepali jewelry ‘ Kantha Mala and kada Chura’.
In another engaging session titled “She Shines: Contribution of Women in Cinema,” prominent personalities from the film industry shared their experiences and perspectives. The esteemed panel included actress and politician Ms. Khushboo Sundar, filmmaker Mr. Madhur Bhandarkar, actress Ms. Esha Gupta, American director and producer Ms. Daphne Schmon, and filmmaker Mr. Sudhir Mishra. The discussion revolved around the significant contributions made by women in the world of cinema, exploring their diverse roles and highlighting their achievements.
The India Pavilion at Cannes has provided an excellent platform for Indian states to showcase their unexplored locations and initiatives aimed at attracting global filmmakers. Through these sessions, the richness and diversity of Indian cinema and the contributions of women in the industry have been celebrated, further cementing India’s position as a prominent player in the global film landscape.
As the Cannes Film Festival continues, attendees eagerly anticipate further insightful discussions and presentations that will shed light on the remarkable talents and potential within the Indian film industry.
