Indian film industry to be showcased at Cannes

The Indian film industry has grown in leaps and bounds, especially over the last decade and now there's some good news for this industry.

The incredible Indian film industry will be showcased at the Cannes Film Festival next year.

Serge Sobczynski, who is selecting the film for the cinema of the world section, has already watched 40 films at IFFI.

He plans to go to Mumbai to watch more films and to invite films from other production centres.

"I am here because I am inviting India to open next year's programme in the festival to Cannes. India is such a vast country. I am going to give India not one but two days," said Serge Sobczynski, Director, Cinema of the World, Festival du Cannes.

Mainstream films

Of the two days, one day will be devoted to mainstream films. Approximately 10 Indian films will be screened.

Though these films will be out of the competition section, it is a first for Cannes.

Serge confesses to having a soft spot for Kerala but he would not divulge anymore.

"Till now it is a secret. It's between the films and me, and I will keep it as a secret I have to think about it," he said.

International audience

There are at least 15 festival programmers at IFFI seeking to show India's best film productions to an international audience.

"Ekantam is about two brothers. The other film I like is Maati Maay Of Chitra Palekar," said Abdul Qadr, Image India Madrid Festivals.

Festivals like Cannes, Berlin and Venice, concentrate on business, so the importance of an Indian movie getting an international platform cannot be over emphasized.

Indian films are creating a buzz worldwide. Some of them are called Indian musicals yet India has just 1/2 per cent share of the global film market.