The 78th Cannes Film Festival saw the official inauguration of the India Pavilion on Thursday. This milestone highlights India’s growing influence in global cinema. The event featured filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, director of IFFI and NFDC, along with actor Anupam Kher and Anne-Louise Mesadieu, Special Representative for diplomatic and consular relations.
The India Pavilion Takes Center Stage
Anne-Louise Mesadieu welcomed the India Pavilion at Cannes, praising India’s rich cinematic history and its ability to tell stories that transcend borders. In his inaugural speech, Shekhar Kapur emphasized the transformative power of cinema and India’s emerging role as a creative force on the global stage.
The event also showcased the trailer and poster launch of IFFI 2025. Gautam Bhanot, General Manager of Film Promotion at NFDC India, noted that the new IFFI poster reflects the convergence of creativity and technology, positioning India to play a major role in global content creation.
Celebrating Indian Cinema
Actor Anupam Kher shared his personal experiences representing India on the international stage. He said, “I’m eight years younger than my country, and we’ve grown together. We’ve done a great job. This is my first time at Cannes, and I’m thrilled to be part of this cinematic extravaganza.”
The event featured a soulful performance by Indian singer Asta Gill, who sang “Saare Jahan Se Achha,” moving the audience. Marsille’s Indian Consulate official, Roopjyoti Brahma Karjee, was also present, contributing to the promotion of India-France cultural cooperation.
