At the 78th Cannes Film Festival, India marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of the Bharat Pavilion, underscoring its commitment to promoting Indian cinema on the global stage. The pavilion serves as a hub for showcasing the country’s rich cinematic heritage and fostering international collaborations.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by notable personalities, including veteran actor Anupam Kher and renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who also serves as the Festival Director of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Anne-Louise Mésadieu, Paris Region elected official and special delegate for diplomatic relations, also attended the event.
In his address, Kapur emphasized the universal power of storytelling, stating, “Our cultures will survive if we share our culture; our stories will survive if we share our stories.”
The Bharat Pavilion, themed “Create in India,” aims to promote Indian cinema globally and encourage co-productions. It provides a platform for Indian filmmakers to engage with international counterparts, facilitating discussions on collaborations and showcasing India’s diverse cinematic narratives.
The pavilion also featured the launch of the IFFI 2025 poster and trailer, highlighting India’s embrace of technology and its openness to international collaboration.
The inauguration of the Bharat Pavilion at Cannes 2025 signifies India’s growing influence in the global film industry and its dedication to sharing its rich cultural stories with the world.