Mumbai, May 15 – The Bharat Pavilion was formally inaugurated at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, marking another significant milestone for Indian cinema on the global stage. The event witnessed a grand celebration of storytelling, culture, and India's rising influence in international filmmaking.
Indian Cinema Shines at Cannes
Eminent personalities graced the inauguration ceremony, including Shekhar Kapur, director of IFFI and NFDC festivals, veteran actor Anupam Kher, and Anne-Louise Mésadieu, a Paris Region elected official and ambassador for diplomatic relations.In his keynote address, Shekhar Kapur underlined the unifying power of storytelling through cinema. “The art of storytelling is not just telling tales, but teaching others how to listen. That’s why film festivals matter. They allow cultures to survive, stories to be shared, and humanity to connect,” he said.
Anupam Kher Makes Cannes Debut
Making his first appearance at Cannes, Anupam Kher expressed pride in Indian cinema’s journey. Presenting his film Tanvi The Great at the Cannes Market, the 70-year-old actor reflected, “I am eight years younger than my country, and we both grew up together. We have done well. This is the ‘Maha Kumbh of cinema’, and I’m thrilled to be here.”IFFI 2025 Poster and Trailer Unveiled
Adding to the occasion, the poster and trailer for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 were officially launched. Gautam Bhanot, GM for Film Promotion at NFDC India, described the poster as a “reflection of the convergence of creativity and technology,” reinforcing India’s ambition to become a global content creation leader.Launch of India Film Guide
A significant event highlight was the unveiling of the India Film Guide, a detailed compendium showcasing India’s filmmaking potential, co-production incentives, and diverse shooting locations. It is expected to serve as a vital tool for fostering international collaborations.Cross-Cultural Appreciation
Anne-Louise Mésadieu praised India’s cinematic legacy, noting its storytelling's universal appeal. She also highlighted the role of cultural platforms like Cannes in promoting diplomacy and global understanding.Indian Films and Jury Presence at Cannes 2025
This year’s festival features Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, which will be showcased in the Un Certain Regard category.Additionally, a restored version of Satyajit Ray’s 1970 classic Aranyer Din Ratri will be presented under the Cannes Classics section, celebrating India’s cinematic heritage.
Notably, filmmaker Payal Kapadia, who made history last year by becoming the first Indian to win the Grand Prix at Cannes, is now part of the festival’s jury panel, chaired by French actress Juliette Binoche.