Entertainment: India made a powerful statement at the 78th Cannes Film Festival with the inauguration of the Bharat Pavilion on Thursday, reinforcing the country’s rising stature in global cinema. Designed as a hub for international collaboration, the pavilion serves not only as a platform to showcase India’s creative strengths but also as a strategic move to foster co-productions and cultural partnerships worldwide.
One of the key features of the launch was the unveiling of the India Film Guide, a comprehensive publication that highlights India’s filmmaking ecosystem, co-production frameworks, and vast range of filming locations. The guide is expected to streamline global collaboration by presenting India as a one-stop destination for cinematic ventures.
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, who chairs the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), spoke passionately about India’s transition from a content consumer to a global content leader. Emphasising cinema’s potential to bridge cultures, Kapur described storytelling as India’s greatest export. French official Anne-Louise Mesadieu also lent her support to the cause, affirming France’s commitment to deeper Indo-French cinematic ties.
The event also featured the official unveiling of the IFFI 2025 poster and trailer. Gautam Bhanot of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) described the new branding as a “convergence of creativity and technology,” positioning India at the forefront of global content innovation.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher, in his first appearance at Cannes, shared a heartfelt account of India’s cinematic journey, intertwining it with his personal milestones. “We have really, really done very well,” he reflected, pointing to the growing respect Indian films command worldwide.
In a moment that blended patriotism with artistic celebration, singer Astha Gill delivered a stirring performance of Saare Jahaan Se Achha, encapsulating the pride and cultural richness that India brought to the global stage at Cannes.